National Conference and Congress Clinch Seat-Sharing Pact for Jammu & Kashmir Polls

National Conference and Congress finalize seat-sharing agreement for 51 and 32 seats respectively in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls. Both parties will engage in 'friendly contests' on five seats and leave one seat each to CPI(M) and Panthers Party. BJP releases its initial candidate list.

The National Conference and Congress have struck a significant seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. National Conference will contest 51 of the 90 seats, while Congress will field candidates in 32 constituencies according to the pact. Additionally, both parties have agreed to engage in a 'friendly contest' on five seats, with one seat each left for CPI(M) and the Panthers Party.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra announced the seat-sharing arrangement, emphasizing that it was reached by considering the 'sensitivities of each other.' Contesting in what he termed a 'friendly but disciplined manner,' Karra noted that the pact was announced a day before the final nomination date for the first election phase on September 18, targeting 24 seats.

Congress leader KC Venugopal, in expressing solidarity, stated that the two parties aim to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir to counter BJP's influence and 'save the soul' of the region. The BJP, meanwhile, has released its first list of 15 candidates, reflecting the area's diverse demographics and strengthening outreach to various communities. The polls will be carried out in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)