NC-Congress Alliance in J-K Polls Aims to Defeat Communal Forces

National Conference candidate Sajjad Shaheen emphasizes the alliance with Congress aims to defeat communal forces. The seat-sharing arrangement details 51 seats for NC, 32 for Congress, with five seats for a 'friendly contest.' The elections are set for three phases starting September 18.

In the run-up to the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, National Conference (NC) candidate from Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, declared on Tuesday that the party's alliance with Congress targets defeating communal forces in the valley. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Shaheen expressed his gratitude towards the party leadership for nominating him as a candidate.

Shaheen stated, "I thank the party leadership. We are fully prepared. National Conference is not just a political party. All the people who have joined us are enthusiastic. We are fully hopeful that the party will win here and form the government. We will not only fulfill the promises we made to the people in the manifesto but will also restore dignity and honor here. The sole aim of this alliance is to defeat communal forces. Where we do not have a direct contest with the BJP, we are making a friendly contest."

According to the seat-sharing agreement for the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference will contest 51 of the 90 seats, while Congress will vie for 32. The two parties will also conduct a 'friendly contest' for five seats, leaving one seat each to the CPI(M) and Panthers Party.

National Conference revealed its initial list featuring 18 candidates, while Congress announced its first list with nine candidates. Additionally, the BJP released its initial list on Monday, naming 16 candidates including their nominee for the Konkernag seat.

The electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir will occur in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the vote count scheduled for October 4. Voting will be held for 90 assembly constituencies, encompassing 88.06 lakh electors in the Union Territory, according to the Election Commission.

(With inputs from agencies.)