In the context of the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, political parties are intensely preparing for what is anticipated to be a closely contested battle. Among these, a significant alliance has formed between the National Conference (NC) and the Indian National Congress. However, the negotiations between these two parties have reached an impasse—not over the number of seats, but rather over specific constituencies they wish to contest. Currently, Congress is aiming to fight in 9 to 10 seats in the first phase, including four crucial seats in the Kashmir Valley.
Alliance Dynamics: Congress and NC’s Electoral Strategy
The National Conference and Congress’s coalition could potentially reshape the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. While the two parties were previously rivals, their collaboration now aims to consolidate votes against the BJP, which is seen as a formidable opponent in the region.
Seats Congress is Targeting
Congress has its eyes on several key constituencies, particularly in the Kashmir Valley. Among these, the seats include:
| Constituency | Previous Winner (2014) | Vote Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Devser | Congress | N/A |
| Shangs | Congress | N/A |
| Duru | PDP | 161 votes |
| Kochar Nag | PDP | N/A |
Key Considerations for Kochar Nag
One of the intriguing aspects of the upcoming elections is the Kochar Nag constituency. This seat has been designated as reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) as per the delimitation process. Despite this, Congress is keen on claiming this seat based on its historical performance. However, prominent party leader Muhammad Syed may not contest from here, prompting Congress to consider fielding an ST candidate in his stead to maintain its electoral viability.
Challenges in Seat Allocation
Amidst the excitement over alliances and electoral strategies, Congress faces internal challenges regarding candidate selection. For the first phase of polling, which consists of 24 constituencies, the party has already finalized candidates for five seats. The remaining seats are under debate, leading to delays in formal announcements. The good news is that there appears to be no opposition from NC concerning the seats located in Jammu, which could facilitate a smoother process.
Political Reactions: BJP’s Critique
As expected, the alliance between Congress and NC has caught the attention of rival parties, especially the BJP. The BJP has openly criticized the partnership, suggesting that the lure of power has led these parties to join forces. Their statement raised concerns about potential repercussions, stating that the return of Article 370 could incite unrest. The BJP further questioned whether Congress intends to engage with separatists instead of addressing issues faced by the state’s youth, raising alarm about their stance on reservations for marginalized communities.
Conclusion
Overall, the alliance between Congress and National Conference may provide an opportunity for both parties to enhance their electoral prospects. However, the underlying complexities regarding seat allocations and candidate nominations must be resolved swiftly for them to stand a chance against the formidable opposition posed by the BJP. As the election dates draw closer, all eyes will be on how these political dynamics unfold in Jammu and Kashmir, a state rich in heritage but equally complex in its political affiliations.
