Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 22: The National Conference (NC), one of the oldest and most influential political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, is laying the groundwork to expand its presence in the Jammu region
Traditionally seen as a party with a stronghold in the Kashmir Valley, the NC is now aggressively strategizing to make inroads into Jammu province, raising concerns among its rivals.
After the formation of the government headed by Omar Abdullah, the National Conference focussed on Jammu province.
Interestingly, the Congress Party, rather than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), appears to be the most alarmed by these developments.
NC leaders have been holding a series of meetings and outreach programs across the Jammu region, focusing on districts like Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, and Poonch. The party is targeting constituencies where it believes it can capitalize on dissatisfaction with the Congress and project itself as a credible alternative.
“The National Conference is not just a party of Kashmir; it is the party of Jammu and Kashmir,” said an NC leader on the condition of anonmity. “We are working to ensure that our vision of development, inclusivity, and justice resonates with the people of Jammu as much as it does in the Valley.”
This marks a significant shift in the NC’s strategy, as it seeks to reclaim its pan-regional identity, which had taken a backseat in recent years due to a more Valley-centric approach.
The Congress, which has traditionally relied on Jammu province as a stronghold, is viewing the NC’s push with unease. The party has been struggling to maintain its relevance in the region amid internal factionalism and a lack of decisive leadership. The NC’s growing appeal in Jammu is being perceived as a dir The NC is now aggressively strategizing to make inroads into Jammu province, raising concerns among its rivals.
Interestingly, the Congress Party, rather than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), appears to be the most alarmed by these developments.
NC leaders have been holding a series of meetings and outreach programs across the Jammu region
The party is targeting constituencies where it believes it can capitalize on dissatisfaction with the Congress and project itself as a credible alternative.
“The National Conference is trying to replace us in the Jammu region,” a senior Congress leader admitted on condition of anonymity. “They are targeting our traditional vote bank by raising local issues and offering a strong alternative to the BJP, which could harm us more than anyone else.”
Unlike the BJP, which maintains a solid support base in Hindu-majority areas of Jammu, the Congress’s influence is scattered, making it vulnerable to NC’s aggressive expansion drive.
Political observers believe the NC’s strategy is a calculated move to broaden its electoral footprint ahead of the much-anticipated assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The NC is playing the long game,” said a political analyst. “By targeting the Congress’s support base, it is positioning itself as the primary challenger to the BJP in the Jammu region. This could lead to a significant realignment of political equations in the province.”
The Congress, however, is not sitting idle. The party has been intensifying its efforts to rejuvenate its cadre and connect with voters through public meetings and campaigns. Senior Congress leaders are urging unity within the party to counter the NC’s growing influence.
“We are the party that has always stood for the people of Jammu,” said a Congress leader. “The National Conference’s plans will not succeed as long as we remain united and work for the welfare of the people.”
As the political dynamics in Jammu evolve, the NC’s push for expansion and the Congress’s attempts to hold its ground are setting the stage for an intense battle for supremacy in the region. With assembly elections on the horizon, the competition for Jammu’s political space is only expected to escalate. |
