Srinagar, July 22 (NVI): Former Sangrama MLA Shoaib Nabi Lone is set to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, according to sources.
Sources said Lone is expected to formally join the PDP later in the day.
Party insiders indicated that Lone is likely to be fielded by the PDP from the Baramulla Assembly constituency in the next elections. The party had fielded Rafiq Ahmad Rather from the seat in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
Lone was elected to the Assembly in the 2006 Sangrama by-election held following the assassination of his father, former minister Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone. He defeated Javid Ahmad Baig in that contest but has not won any subsequent elections.
The PDP will be the fourth political party Lone has been associated with. He has previously been with the Congress, the National Conference and the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP).
Political observers view his move as a setback for the AIP, led by MP Engineer Rashid, as several of its leaders have left the party for other political outfits, including the PDP, after the 2024 Assembly elections.
There was no immediate official confirmation from the PDP or Lone regarding the development.(NVI)
