Chenani is a small town located in the Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir. The Chenani assembly constituency falls within the Udhampur parliamentary constituency. Initially reserved for the Scheduled Castes in the 2014 elections, the constituency became an open seat following the recent delimitation exercise, allowing broader participation in future elections.

20142024--
Dina Nath of BJP won the 2014 assembly elections by defeating Krishan Chander of INC with a huge margin
Under Process
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General Demographic Facts:

1. Population Distribution:
   • The majority of the population in Chenani belongs to rural areas. The constituency includes a mix of villages and smaller townships.
   • The population is primarily engaged in agriculture and small-scale industries.
2. Ethnic and Religious Composition:
   • Chenani has a diverse population consisting primarily of Hindus, with a smaller presence of Muslims and Sikhs. The area reflects the demographic composition typical of the Udhampur district and the Jammu region.
3. Languages Spoken:
   • The major languages spoken in Chenani are Dogri and Hindi.
4. Economy:
   • Agriculture is a primary occupation in Chenani, with a focus on crops like maize, wheat, and pulses.
   • The region is also known for its tourism, especially due to attractions like the Patnitop hill station and the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, which connects Chenani to Nashri, further enhancing the area’s connectivity.
5. Social Composition:
   • The region is a mix of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities. SC and ST communities have a significant presence and play a role in local political dynamics.
6. Education and Literacy:
   • The literacy rate in Chenani, like other rural parts of Jammu and Kashmir, is lower than urban areas but has been gradually improving. Government and private educational institutions are available, but access to higher education may be limited, requiring students to move to larger towns like Udhampur.
7. Geographical Characteristics:
   • Chenani has hilly and forested terrain, contributing to its scenic beauty. It is also a relatively less developed region, with infrastructure development happening gradually.

Sitting and Previous MLAs of Chenani Assembly