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The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) are set to witness a significant alliance between the Congress party and the National Conference (NC). The two parties have reached a seat-sharing agreement, outlining their respective roles in the upcoming electoral battle. The agreement signals a united front against forces perceived to be divisive in the region, solidifying the alliance's commitment to fostering unity and stability in J&K.
According to the agreement, the NC will contest 51 seats, while the Congress will field candidates on 32 seats. Notably, the alliance has opted for a 'friendly contest' on the remaining 5 seats, signifying a collaborative approach where both parties will engage in the electoral process while maintaining a spirit of cooperation. The strategic decision to leave one seat each for the CPI(M) and the Panthers Party further highlights the alliance's commitment to including diverse political voices in J&K.
The decision to form this alliance is rooted in the shared objective of countering forces perceived as divisive in the region. The leaders of both parties have explicitly expressed their intention to oppose those seeking to create communal tensions and promote division. The alliance is seen as a strong counterforce to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has opted to contest the elections independently. The BJP's performance in the previous assembly elections in 2014, where it secured 25 seats, has fueled anticipation of a fierce electoral battle.
The Congress-NC alliance has also received support from Mehbooba Mufti's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP, a key player in J&K politics, has pledged its support to the alliance, indicating a broader political coalition against the BJP. The coming weeks will be crucial in observing how the alliance navigates the electoral landscape, particularly in light of the BJP's independent campaign. The outcome of the elections will likely have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of J&K, shaping the future direction of the region.
Source: J&K assembly polls: Congress-NC strike seat-sharing deal