J&K Assembly polls : NC to contest on 51 seats , Congress on 32 in alliance

In a significant move ahead of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections, the National Conference (NC) and Congress have finalized their seat-sharing arrangement. NC will contest 51 seats, while Congress will field candidates in 32 constituencies. Additionally, both parties have agreed to engage in a “friendly but disciplined contest” on five seats, according to state Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra. Beyond these 88 seats, one seat each has been allotted to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP).

Expressing his satisfaction with the alliance, NC President Farooq Abdullah stated, “It is a matter of great happiness that we started this campaign with the shared goal of fighting together against the forces attempting to divide the people here. The INDIA alliance was formed to combat those trying to communalize, divide, and fracture the country. Today, we have successfully completed the negotiations and coordinated in a very cordial atmosphere. Congress and the National Conference will fight these elections together.”

Echoing these sentiments, Congress leader K.C. Venugopal emphasized the importance of the alliance, saying, “The BJP is trying to destroy the soul of Jammu and Kashmir. Our INDIA alliance’s main objective is to preserve the soul of Jammu and Kashmir, which is why Congress and the National Conference are coming together to form a government that is truly aligned with the people of J&K. We have entered into this formula after thorough discussions. We will fight together, we will win J&K, and we will form the government.”

The alliance, which aims to present a united front against the BJP, is seen as a crucial step in the ongoing political battle in Jammu & Kashmir. The elections are set to be a defining moment for the region, especially in the post-2019 political landscape.