Omar Abdullah Announces NC-Congress Alliance to Fight BJP in Jammu and Kashmir Elections

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah announced an alliance with Congress to contest the Jammu and Kashmir elections. Both parties aim to present a united front against the BJP. The seat-sharing arrangement allots 51 seats to NC, 32 to Congress, while other parties also secure placements.

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah announced on Tuesday a strategic alliance with Congress to contest the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Both parties intend to present a solidified front against the BJP to increase their chances of success.

'Today is the last day to file nominations for the first phase. We have issued our manifesto and roadmap. Together with Congress, we settled on a seat-sharing agreement,' Abdullah stated. He expressed regret that the seat-sharing left some hopeful candidates out of the race.

Under the pact, the National Conference will contest 51 of the 90 seats, while Congress will take on 32. Both parties will engage in a 'friendly contest' on five seats, leaving one seat each for CPI(M) and Panthers Party. The NC announced 18 candidates in its first list; Congress disclosed nine names. On Monday, the BJP unveiled its candidate list, naming 16 individuals, including one from the Konkernag seat.

Polling for the 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. Vote counting will occur on October 4. According to the Election Commission, the Union Territory has an electorate of 88.06 lakh.

(With inputs from agencies.)