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| NC seeks to strengthen foothold in Jammu; eyes Cong, BJP rebels | | |  Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 30: In a calculated political move, the ruling National Conference (NC) is making concerted efforts to woo prominent rebels candidates of BJP and Congress from Jammu province who garnered significant votes in the recently concluded Assembly elections. The party’s leadership, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is strategically focusing on Independent candidates who emerged as runners-up in constituencies where they faced off against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates. With a clear intent to bolster its influence in the Jammu region and position itself as a credible alternative to the Congress, the National Conference is targeting those Independent candidates who have demonstrated considerable support among voters. The initiative is being seen as part of NC’s broader strategy to consolidate its position in Jammu province, traditionally considered a Congress and BJP stronghold.
According to party insiders, discussions are already underway with several potential allies.
A senior NC leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained the rationale behind the move: “Rebel candidates of BJP and Congress who performed well in the elections have a solid voter base and credibility in their respective constituencies. By bringing them into our fold, we aim to strengthen the party in areas where we need to expand and counter both the BJP and Congress more effectively.”
The strategy appears to be bearing fruit, as all Independent candidates who secured victories in Jammu province have already extended their support to the National Conference-led government. Among them, Satish Sharma, an Independent MLA, has been inducted into the Council of Ministers, reflecting NC’s commitment to accommodating strong regional leaders.
Other victorious Independents, including Muzaffar Iqbal Khan (Thannamandi), Choudhary Mohammad Akram (Surankote), Pyare Lal Sharma (Inderwal), and Dr. Rameshwar Singh (Bani), have publicly pledged their support to the NC government.
However, the party’s current focus is on those Independents who, despite losing their respective contests, managed to secure a substantial vote share. Many of these candidates were runners-up in constituencies dominated by BJP, signaling their potential as influential political players. By aligning with these individuals, the National Conference hopes to erode BJP’s influence and consolidate anti-BJP votes under its banner.
The ongoing outreach campaign by the National Conference is being closely watched by both the BJP and Congress. While the BJP remains focused on solidifying its base in Jammu, the Congress is grappling with internal challenges, making the political landscape ripe for NC’s intervention.
Meanwhile, the Independent candidates being courted by NC are weighing their options.
“Aligning with a ruling party like the National Conference could bring developmental benefits to my constituency,” said one such Independent leader who preferred to remain unnamed. “However, any decision will depend on assurances regarding our role and responsibilities within the party framework.” |
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