Amid no alliance talks, the Jammu and Kashmir Congress has sent a comprehensive plan for contesting five Lok Sabha seats to the party’s High Command, signaling its intent to go solo for the upcoming polls. The move comes amidst uncertainty surrounding the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance in the region.
Submitting a list of 27 potential candidates for the five Lok Sabha seats of Jammu and Kashmir, the state unit of the Congress has included several stalwarts of the party. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, two Congress leaders revealed that while no decision on any alliance has been reached yet, the party respects the aspirations of its cadre to participate in the elections.
“We are not against any alliance that benefits the people of the country,” one leader emphasized, highlighting the proactive approach taken by the Congress in preparing for the polls.
The party conducted an internal survey and held meetings with potential candidates, the results of which were compiled into a detailed report submitted to the High Command by the State President.
“We expect a final decision soon to dispel any confusion among our cadre,” stated another leader, noting the recent meeting of the campaign committee led by former Deputy CM Tara Chand in Jammu.
Meanwhile, the list of potential candidates reflects the depth of experience within the Congress ranks:
- Congress J&K Chief Vikar Rasool Wani is listed as a probable candidate for the Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seat, currently held by MoS PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh of the BJP.
- National President of NSUI Neeraj Kundan, along with working President Raman Bhalla and former Deputy CM Tara Chand, is among the contenders for the Jammu-Reasi Lok Sabha seat.
- Congress General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who contested the last elections, is listed as a potential candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seats.
As the Congress gears up for a solo run in Jammu and Kashmir, the inclusion of seasoned leaders in its candidate list underscores the party’s determination to make a mark in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.