Srinagar: Independent MLA Sheikh Abdul Rasheed has withdrew his nomination for the by-poll in Anantnag Assembly seat in Jammu and Kashmir, leaving eight candidates, including Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in the fray.

Rasheed, a legislator from Langate constituency of Kupwara district, withdrew his nomination for the by-election slated to be held on June 22, an official spokesman said.

Today was the last date for withdrawal of nomination. With Rasheed’s withdrawal, eight candidates, including Mehbooba, were left in the fray. By-poll was necessitated in Anantnag following the death of then Chief Minister and incumbent PDP MLA Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 7. Mehbooba, who assumed the Chief Minister’s office on April 4, had six months to get elected either to the Assembly or the Legislative Council in order to continue in office. The poll process has to be concluded before July 7, the day the six-month deadline, set as per provisions of the Representation of the People Act, expires. — PTI