Congress Explores Alliances Ahead of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls

The National Conference and the People's Democratic Party are in talks with the Congress' central leadership for a potential alliance in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Newly appointed state unit chief Tariq Hameed Karra confirmed discussions and emphasized the Congress' openness to alliances with like-minded parties to challenge the BJP's dominance.

The National Conference and the People's Democratic Party have initiated discussions with the Congress' central leadership about forming an alliance for the forthcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, said newly-appointed state unit chief Tariq Hameed Karra.

Speaking to reporters, Karra stated, ''To my knowledge, the National Conference has already approached the central leadership for an alliance.'' Recently named the Congress chief for Jammu and Kashmir, Karra received a warm welcome upon his return from New Delhi.

Regarding the People's Democratic Party, he mentioned, ''At some level, talks have happened.'' Karra expressed confidence that if regional parties, part of the opposition INDIA bloc, continue their collaborative efforts, success is likely. Within the party’s Jammu and Kashmir unit, internal consultations are expected to take place.

Karra emphasized the Congress' openness to alliances with all like-minded parties, regardless of their affiliation with Jammu or Kashmir. The central leadership has established a five-member committee to explore alliance prospects. The goal is to combat the BJP’s dominance and ensure the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Congress are taken into account.

Karra highlighted the importance of capitalizing on the positive momentum created by Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, aiming to address economic, constitutional, religious, and regional issues in Jammu and Kashmir. Restoration of statehood remains a top priority for the Congress, he added, accusing the Centre of unlawfully relegating the state to a Union Territory.

Additionally, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, led by Ghulam Nabi Azad, has been ''outrightly rejected'' by the people, according to Karra. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are scheduled in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results to be announced on October 4.