National Conference asserts full contestation on Kashmir Lok Sabha seats

Following the launch of their election campaign, the National Conference (NC) remained resolute in their stance on contesting all three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, dismissing any concerns over seat sharing within the INDIA alliance.

Addressing supporters at Hazratbal, NC President Farooq Abdullah reiterated the party’s commitment to contesting on all three seats in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that these seats belonged to the INDIA alliance.“The three seats National Conference won earlier are the seats of the INDIA alliance, and we will contest elections on these seats in the coming elections,” affirmed Abdullah.

The NC’s resolve was unmistakably demonstrated during a rally held in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, sending a clear message to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) regarding their unwavering stance on the south Kashmir seat. Abdullah dismissed concerns over potential friction within the alliance, stating, “What is the question of seat sharing? We are all INDIA alliance partners. The three seats we have won earlier are the seats of the alliance, and in the future, we will also take those three seats.”

Responding to queries about the potential sidelining of the PDP within the INDIA block, Abdullah asserted that the alliance’s primary objective is to counter forces threatening the region’s identity.

“The alliance aims to defeat those forces who are bent on destroying our identity,” Abdullah remarked, underscoring the alliance’s collective resolve.

Addressing speculations regarding the fate of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Abdullah emphasized its continuity, rebuffing suggestions of its dissolution.

“Why should PAGD finish… Our enemies wish that there should be an announcement about the finishing of PAGD… It will not finish,” Abdullah declared emphatically.

He further announced that a PAGD meeting is scheduled to take place in the coming days, underscoring the coalition’s ongoing cohesion and commitment to the region’s interests.