In a significant development in Jammu and Kashmir politics, the National Conference (NC) and Congress have announced an alliance for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. This will be the first assembly election in the region since its bifurcation into two union territories in 2019. The two parties have decided to join forces to contest the 90 seats in the assembly, with the National Conference fielding candidates in 51 constituencies and Congress in 32. The remaining seats will be contested by the CPI(M) and the Panthers Party, each receiving one seat. Additionally, a “friendly contest” is planned for five seats, indicating a collaborative approach in certain constituencies.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah emphasized the alliance’s objective to combat divisive forces in the region. Abdullah expressed satisfaction over the cooperative nature of the negotiations, highlighting that both parties have united to counter those attempting to divide the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated the broader aim of the INDIA alliance to counter forces seeking to communalize and fragment the nation, underscoring the alliance’s commitment to this cause.
Congress leader KC Venugopal echoed similar sentiments, accusing the BJP of attempting to undermine the essence of Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that the primary goal of the INDIA alliance is to preserve the region’s integrity and to form a government that is in tune with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Venugopal assured that the Congress and National Conference would present a unified front in the elections and are determined to establish a government that aligns with the interests of the region’s residents.
Omar Abdullah of the National Conference highlighted that discussions between the two parties have been constructive, with no objections raised regarding the manifestos. He noted that a common minimum programme for governance would be developed if the alliance secures the support of the electorate. The alliance’s focus, Abdullah clarified, is on winning the elections first, with detailed policy discussions to follow.
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are scheduled to take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The results are expected to be announced on October 4. As of now, 14 candidates have submitted their nominations for the first phase, with the deadline for filing nominations set for August 27. The newly formed alliance aims to present a strong unified front to address the political and administrative challenges facing the region.
