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The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections have seen a significant development with the return of National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah to the political arena. After hinting at his intention to contest the elections, Abdullah has officially declared his candidacy from the family stronghold of Ganderbal. This decision marks a departure from his previous stance of not contesting the Assembly polls, adding a new dimension to the electoral landscape.
The NC's announcement of its candidate list, which included Omar Abdullah's name, came on the heels of a significant political alliance between the NC and the Congress. The two parties have agreed to contest 83 out of the 90 Assembly seats in the Union Territory, with the NC taking 51 seats and the Congress contesting 32. This alliance signifies a strategic move by both parties to maximize their chances of success in the upcoming elections.
However, the alliance is not without its challenges. The NC and Congress have agreed to field candidates in five specific constituencies: Sopore, Banihal, Bhaderwah, Doda, and Nagrota. This decision has led to a situation where both parties will compete against each other in these key seats, creating a scenario of 'friendly fights.' The NC justified its decision to contest these seats despite not reaching an agreement with the Congress by stating that they have dedicated constituency in-charges who have been working on the ground since the delimitation process. The party believes that a win for either the NC or the Congress in these constituencies will ultimately benefit the alliance.
The decision to field candidates in these five constituencies has sparked debate and analysis among political observers. The Congress has reportedly fought hard to secure these seats, with a focus on Banihal, Dooru, and Anantnag. These seats hold strategic importance for both parties, and their outcome will have a significant impact on the overall electoral outcome. The 'friendly fights' in these constituencies present a unique challenge for both the NC and Congress, requiring them to navigate the delicate balance of competition and cooperation within the alliance.
Source: Omar Abdullah takes the plunge from family turf; NC says all is good on ‘friendly fights’