Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge's Strategic Visit to J&K

Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge arrived in Srinagar to assess Congress's preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. They will engage in discussions with party leaders and explore a potential alliance with the National Conference. BJP urges clarity on Article 370 during Gandhi's visit.

Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge touched down in Srinagar on Wednesday for a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Their mission: to evaluate and fortify the party's strategies ahead of the much-anticipated assembly elections in the Union Territory.

The visit is strategically timed with the three-phased elections starting on September 18. Key meetings with Congress workers and leadership across 10 districts in Kashmir valley will commence at 10 am on Thursday, followed by a media interaction.

Simultaneously, discussions with the National Conference regarding a potential pre-poll alliance are on the cards. Meanwhile, the BJP has put pressure on Gandhi to clarify the Congress party's stance on Article 370 and Article 35A.

(With inputs from agencies.)