Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 4: The fragile coalition between the National Conference (NC) and Congress in Jammu and Kashmir appears to be unraveling, as both parties gear up to contest the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections separately.
This marks a significant shift in their political strategy and signals the effective end of their alliance, which had been showing signs of strain for months.
After managing the majority with the support of Independent MLAs, the ruling National Conference does not need the support of Congress to run the government so the ruling party has already been maintaining a distance from the grand old party.
In the House of 90, the National Conference has 42 MLAs in its kitty, and with the support of Independents, the party has managed a comfortable majority in the Assembly.
Over time, the National Conference has distanced itself from its "coalition partner," reflecting the widening rift between the two parties.
Insiders attribute the weakening of the Congress to its electoral defeats in key states like Haryana and Maharashtra, which have eroded its standing as a national force.
The recent statement of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has not gone well among Congress leaders becaus The fragile coalition between the National Conference and Congress in Jammu and Kashmir appears to be on brink.
After managing the majority with the support of Independent MLAs, the ruling NC does not need the support of Congress to run the government.
Over time, the National Conference has distanced itself from its "coalition partner," reflecting the widening rift between the two parties.
The diminishing influence of Congress has further emboldened the NC to assert its autonomy in J&K's political landscape.
The party's diminishing influence has further emboldened the NC to assert its autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape. This was evident in recent developments where the NC leadership refrained from offering vocal support to Congress during crucial political moments.
Sources reveal that while neither party has made an official announcement, there is an unspoken understanding among the leadership that the coalition has effectively run its course. The decision to contest the ULB elections separately is seen as the final nail in the coffin, symbolizing their inability to reconcile differences.
Observers note that the NC’s decision to go it alone in the local polls reflects its confidence in consolidating its voter base without relying on Congress. On the other hand, the Congress, already weakened, is expected to face a tough battle as it tries to regain relevance in the region. The unraveling of the coalition could have broader implications for the political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir. The NC is likely to push its narrative of being a strong regional party, capable of safeguarding the unique interests of the region, while the Congress may struggle to project itself as a viable alternative. | 