Srinagar: With less than a month remaining before the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, political activities are intensifying across the union territory. On Wednesday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Rahul Gandhi arrived in Jammu and Kashmir, where they addressed Congress workers and held significant meetings with National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah and his son, Omar Abdullah.
In a move set to reshape the political landscape of the region, an alliance between the Congress and the National Conference was announced following their meeting. Farooq Abdullah confirmed that the alliance is progressing well and that formal documentation would be signed by the evening. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also hinted at the alliance during his address, emphasising the importance of statehood and expressing solidarity with the India Alliance.
Kharge and Gandhi are on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at formulating strategies for the upcoming assembly elections alongside local party workers. The visit comes ahead of a crucial meeting of the Congress Central Election Committee (CEC), scheduled for Thursday, where the selection of candidates for 10 key seats is expected to be finalised.
Rahul Gandhi, while discussing the alliance, assured that the interests and respect of Congress party workers would be upheld. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and expressed confidence in the united front presented by the India Alliance.
In a press conference held after the meeting at Farooq Abdullah’s residence, the NC leader expressed optimism about the alliance’s prospects, stating, “We are united, including the CPI(M). All parties in India are united in the alliance.” He confirmed that the coalition would contest all 90 seats in the forthcoming elections.
Addressing the possibility of an alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Abdullah noted that “no door is closed for anyone,” signalling openness to future collaborations depending on the election outcomes. He described the meeting with Congress leaders as cordial and expressed satisfaction with the discussions.
As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, the Congress-NC alliance is poised to play a crucial role in the upcoming elections, with the potential for further alliances still on the horizon.
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