Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Rift In INDI Alliance As National Conference Set To Contest All Three Seats In Kashmir Valley

In a major setback to the INDI Alliance of opposition parties ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the National Conference (NC) has announced its decision to contest all three Lok Sabha seats in the Kashmir Valley.

This move sets the stage for a direct contest between the NC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The decision also casts uncertainty over the future of the Peoples Alliance for the Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a coalition formed in 2020 to advocate for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir's special status.

NC's provincial president, Nasir Aslam Wani, confirmed the party's decision, stating, "Yes, we are contesting all the three seats in the Valley."

He mentioned that consultations were held with the Congress, but not with the PDP.

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As reported by Indian Express, Congress had proposed that the NC contest the Srinagar and Baramulla seats while leaving the Anantnag seat for PDP president Mehbooba Mufti.

However, the NC insisted on contesting all three seats, citing its success in the 2019 elections, where it secured victories in all three constituencies.

While the NC is yet to finalise its candidates, reports indicate that Omar Abdullah may contest from Srinagar, Aga Roohullah from Baramulla, and Mian Altaf from Anantnag.

In response to the NC's decision, the PDP expressed hope that the NC would reconsider its stance for the greater good of Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar emphasised the need for unity and stated that the PDP was prepared to prioritise the interests of the people over party politics.

Earlier, NC president Farooq Abdullah announced last month that the party would contest the upcoming Lok Sabah elections "on its own".

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