Lagatar24 Desk
Srinagar: In a significant political development, the Congress and National Conference (NC) have finalized their pre-poll alliance for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. This marks the first time since 1987 that the two parties have entered into a pre-poll alliance in the region. However, challenges remain regarding the distribution of seats, with both parties working to iron out the details.
The alliance was cemented following a crucial meeting between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and National Conference patriarch Farooq Abdullah at the latter’s residence in Srinagar. The meeting, which also included Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Omar Abdullah, underscored the commitment of both parties to contest the elections together, despite ongoing differences over seat-sharing.
“We had a good meeting in a cordial atmosphere. The alliance is on track and, god willing, it will go smoothly. The alliance is final. It will be signed this evening, and the alliance is for all 90 seats,” Farooq Abdullah announced following the hour-long discussion.
The meeting between the top leadership of both parties signaled a unified front, even as sources indicated that disagreements over the seat-sharing formula persist. Despite three rounds of negotiations, the two sides have yet to reach a consensus on the number of seats each party will contest.
Rahul Gandhi, during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized the importance of maintaining the respect and morale of Congress workers and leaders in the alliance. He also reiterated the Congress’s commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a central promise of their election campaign.
“We want statehood for you, that is in your heart. We want you to run your state the way you want to; this is the message we came to convey,” Gandhi stated, addressing the concerns of the people in the region, which lost its statehood and special status under Article 370 in 2019.
Backing Gandhi’s sentiments, Farooq Abdullah highlighted the shared goal of the alliance. “People have suffered much in the last 10 years. Statehood is the prime concern for us. And we want all the powers of the state. Our common program is to fight divisive forces. Our doors are open for all; let’s first win the election,” Abdullah said.
Despite the challenges, the alliance holds strategic importance. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the Congress-NC alliance secured 41.7% of the vote in Jammu and Kashmir, significantly outpacing their former rivals, the BJP and PDP, who garnered 17% and 8% respectively.
The upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with results scheduled to be announced on October 4. This election is particularly noteworthy as it is the first since the abrogation of Article 370.
Omar Abdullah, speaking in an interview, acknowledged the complexities of seat-sharing but expressed optimism about the alliance. “Seat sharing brings with it its own challenges. I have 90 candidates. There is a problem of plenty,” he said, adding that even with a seat-sharing deal, the process “will not be smooth.”
As the alliance prepares for the upcoming elections, the focus remains on solidifying the partnership and ensuring a unified front to maximize their electoral success in the region.
