Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 6: In a surprising display of disunity within the ruling coalition, the Congress party was notably absent from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s first election rally for the Nagrota byelection on Thursday. The event, held in support of National Conference (NC) candidate Shamim Begum, highlighted growing tensions between the alliance partners.
Abdullah, addressing a gathering of NC supporters, urged voters to back Begum, emphasizing the need for continued development and stability in the region. “This byelection is about securing the future of Nagrota and
upholding the mandate of the people,” the Chief Minister said, without directly referencing the Congress’s no-show.
Begum’s candidacy emerged as a last-minute decision by the NC after the Congress declined to contest the seat. Sources within the coalition indicate that the party had initially expressed interest but backed out, paving the way for the NC to field her at the eleventh hour. Despite being part of the coalition, no Congress leaders—neither locals nor senior functionaries—attended t The Congress party was absent from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's first election rally for the Nagrota byelection
The event, held in support of NC candidate Shamim Begum, highlighted growing tensions between the alliance partners.
This by-election is about securing the future of Nagrota and upholding the mandate of the people.
Begum's candidacy emerged as a last-minute decision by the NC after the Congress declined to contest the seat.
Political analysts had anticipated that Congress would lend its weight to the campaign in its final phases, especially with high-profile NC leaders like Abdullah taking the stage. “The expectation was for a united front, particularly as the byelection tests the coalition’s strength post the recent assembly polls,” said one observer. “Today’s absence raises questions about coordination and commitment within the alliance.”
As reported earlier, annoyed over being denied a “safe seat” in the recently held Rajya Sabha elections, Congress refused to contest the Nagrota byelection despite the fact that the National Conference had offered this seat to the grand old party.
The Nagrota byelection, necessitated following the demise of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana, whose daughter Divyani Rana is contesting the election as a BJP candidate.
With campaigning intensifying, all eyes are now on whether Congress will rally behind Begum in the remaining days or if the divide will widen, potentially impacting voter turnout and alliance dynamics. | 