Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 25: For the last six months, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti has repeatedly been reiterating her commitment to strengthen opposition unity but the J&K Congress leadership decided to openly side with the National Conference.
On Thursday, Congress clarified its stance, stating its support for the National Conference over the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for Parliamentary seats in Kashmir. This move aims to bolster unity within the constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc.
Interestingly, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has repeatedly asserted her party's inclusion in the INDIA bloc. However, after accompanying National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah to file nomination papers for party candidate Aga Ruhullah for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Vikar Rasool Wani declared Congress's backing for the National Conference on three Kashmir Valley seats.
Wani highlighted the mutual support between the parties, with Congress endorsing National Conference candidates in Jammu and reciprocating the gesture in Kashmir. This collaborative approach extends to grassroots coordination to ensure INDIA alliance victories.
Asserting confidence, Wani proclaimed INDIA Alliance's JKPCC Chief Vikar Rasool Wani declared Congress's backing for the National Conference on three Kashmir seats.
Wani highlighted the mutual support between the parties, with Congress endorsing NC candidates in Jammu and reciprocating the gesture in Kashmir.
Wani proclaimed INDIA Alliance's sweep across all J&K seats, including Ladakh.
Despite both NC and PDP being INDIA bloc constituents, they are contesting against each other on three Kashmir seats.
However, despite both NC and PDP being INDIA bloc constituents, they contest against each other on three Kashmir Valley parliamentary seats. Notably, veteran Gujjar leader Mian Altaf contests against PDP's Mehbooba Mufti in Anantnag-Rajouri, while PDP's Fayaz Ahmad Mir challenges NC Vice President Omar Abdullah in Baramulla. Additionally, PDP's Wahid Parra faces NC's Aga Ruhullah in Srinagar-Budgam.
In a significant move, Dr. Farooq Abdullah visited the Congress office in Srinagar for the first time, emphasizing INDIA Alliance's unity after Aga Ruhullah filed nomination papers. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Abdullah stressed the alliance's commitment to safeguarding rights and the Indian Constitution, expressing concern over recent divisive speeches by the Prime Minister.
The Congress Chief extended a warm welcome to Dr. Abdullah, pledging full support to JKNC in Kashmir per the party's decision from Delhi. Dr. Abdullah reiterated the alliance's stance against division and emphasized unity. He also highlighted Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, symbolizing a commitment to bridging divides, notably Gandhi's visit to Kashmir amidst snowy landscapes. |