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The ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections have witnessed a brewing tension within the pre-poll alliance between the National Conference (NC) and the Congress party. Omar Abdullah, vice president of the NC and party candidate from Ganderbal and Budgam, has publicly expressed his disappointment with the Congress's campaign strategy, particularly in the Jammu region.
Abdullah's criticism stems from the perception that the Congress has focused disproportionately on campaigning in the Kashmir region, neglecting the Jammu region where the party holds a significant number of seats. He argues that the Congress's role in Kashmir is less crucial compared to its potential impact in Jammu, and that the party's limited efforts in the Jammu region fall short of the alliance expectations. His concern is further amplified by the fact that most of the seats in Jammu were allocated to the Congress under the alliance agreement.
Abdullah's pointed remarks directed at Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, highlight the internal pressure within the alliance. He urged Gandhi to shift his attention to Jammu, emphasizing the importance of a robust campaign in the region for the success of the NC-Congress alliance. Abdullah's discontent underscores the potential cracks emerging within the alliance, raising questions about its effectiveness and the ability of both parties to navigate the complexities of the election campaign.
Beyond the internal alliance dynamics, Abdullah also voiced his disapproval of inviting foreign delegates to observe the Jammu and Kashmir elections. He views the election as an internal matter for India and questioned the rationale behind seeking foreign observers. This stance aligns with the Indian government's traditional stance on foreign involvement in domestic affairs, particularly concerning elections.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are crucial for all participating parties, and the NC-Congress alliance faces the challenge of effectively navigating internal disagreements while focusing on the larger objective of securing victory. The coming days will be crucial for gauging the impact of Abdullah's criticism and the Congress's response, potentially shaping the trajectory of the alliance and the overall outcome of the elections.