The National Conference (NC) declared its intention to contest all three Lok Sabha seats in the Kashmir valley independently, amidst ongoing discussions with the Congress to determine seat-sharing arrangements in the Jammu and Ladakh regions.
Following an extensive meeting of its parliamentary committee chaired by party president Farooq Abdullah, the NC announced its decision to field candidates in the valley's three seats.
However, discussions with the Congress are ongoing regarding seat-sharing in two seats in Jammu and one in Ladakh. NC's provincial president for Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani, confirmed these deliberations, stating that talks were underway for the remaining three seats, including Ladakh.
This announcement dispelled speculations about alliances with other parties in Jammu and Kashmir, effectively sidelining partners such as the Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The move was met with criticism from a PDP leader, who labeled it as "backstabbing" and accused the NC of disregarding the collective fight desired by the people of Kashmir.
The PDP leader expressed disappointment over NC's unilateral decision, especially considering the existence of a consultative mechanism within the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). This alliance comprises several mainstream political parties advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
Despite the setback, the PDP leader asserted that their party would make decisions regarding candidates for the three valley seats in due time.
Meanwhile, a NC representative clarified that candidate selection for the upcoming polls was not finalized during the parliamentary committee meeting. Another meeting is scheduled within the next two weeks to address this matter.
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