National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi filed candidature papers for the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency on April 25, ahead of the fourth round of elections next month.
Mehdi, accompanied by NC president Farooq Abdullah, Vice President Omar Abdullah, and Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Vikar Rasool, filed the nomination papers before Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, the constituency's returning officer.
Mehdi, an important Shia leader, told reporters, "The hope of a victory is in front of you."
JKNC president Dr Farooq Abdullah, who was also present at the occasion, expressed his confidence in Ruhullah.
But, more than a win or a defeat, the essential issue is how to mobilise people's feelings towards that (win).
They have been unable to express sentiments in the past four years and have not been allowed to do so. "The elections gave them that opportunity," Ruhullah said.
Farooq Abdullah said that the party is hopeful that Mehdi will win the constituency. "We are here to file nomination papers and pray to God to make him successful."
Mehdi had previously travelled from his hometown of Budgam in central Kashmir to Srinagar in a vehicle rally with hundreds of his followers, arriving at the deputy commissioner's office.
The NC has also nominated Salman Sagar, the head of the party's youth section from Srinagar, as a covering candidate.
Nineteen candidates, including Mehdi and Sagar, have filed nominations in the constituency.
The deadline for registering nominations for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat is Thursday. Elections will be conducted in the constituency on May 13.
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