NC-Congress Pre-Poll Alliance Finalizes Majority Seat Sharing in J&K

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah confirmed that a seat-sharing arrangement with Congress has been finalized for most assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The parties aim to reach agreements on the remaining seats shortly. This alliance marks the region's first assembly election since Article 370's abrogation.

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah announced on Friday that a seat-sharing agreement with the Congress has been finalized for a majority of assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, while discussions are ongoing for the remaining constituencies.

The NC and Congress formalized a pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections, marking the first polls in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Abdullah revealed that the consensus has been reached on most of the 90 seats. He is currently accompanying party candidate Sakina Itoo in Kulgam district, and noted that further discussions with Congress were ongoing.

Abdullah indicated that while some seats are still under negotiation due to local disagreements, meetings are being held to finalize the arrangement swiftly. The parties hope to announce all candidates soon.

When questioned about the timeline for candidate announcements, Abdullah stated that NC is not in a rush and highlighted that other parties have not yet revealed their candidates either. He pointed out that NC's constituency in-charges have been active for a decade.

Earlier in the week, NC president Farooq Abdullah confirmed the alliance following discussions with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. The assembly elections will be conducted in three phases starting September 18, with vote counting on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)