Srinagar, Aug 26: After extensive discussions, the National Conference and Congress have finalized their seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a joint press conference which was held at the residence of NC President Farooq Abdullah, the alliance leaders said that NC and Congress have agreed on a seat-sharing formula where NC will contest 51 seats and Congress 32 seats.
They also said that one seat each has been allocated to the CPI(M) and the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP).
The leaders also said that there would be a “friendly contest” on five seats in the Union Territory.
NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that the negotiations with Congress were successful. “We have decided to contest the upcoming assembly elections jointly, with complete coordination and cooperation between the JKNC and the Congress.”
Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra while addressing joint press conference said that the negotiations were conducted in a very cordial manner.
“Congress and the National Conference will fight the elections together. Our main objective is to save the soul of J&K. We will start issuing mandates immediately and are confident we will win and form a government that truly serves the people of J&K”, he said.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal who was also part of the joint press conference criticized the BJP, accusing them of deceiving Kashmir with their policies. “Everywhere we heard about the Union Territory becoming a state, but here the only state became the Union Territory, done by BJP. They already cheated the people of J&K. We want a free BJP government in J&K.”
Venugopal said that the BJP’s divisive agenda is worsening unemployment and creating divisions among people.
He also that their focus is on progress, employment, and unity, and promised that details on seat distribution would be released in phases.
Omar Abdullah, speaking to reporters after the seat-sharing agreement was finalized by NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra, said that the Kulgam seat would be left for Taragami following a conversation between Farooq Abdullah and him.
Omar said that a common minimum program would be created only after the elections.
Regarding the recent creation of five new districts in Ladakh by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Omar said that if new districts have been added, there should be a fair assessment of their structure and any potential imbalances.
