Regional Parties in J&K 'Sailing in Two Boats': Ghulam Ahmad Mir

Ghulam Ahmad Mir of Congress suggested that regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir, not part of the INDIA bloc, might collaborate with BJP in the upcoming assembly elections. Mir emphasized the importance of these elections for undoing past injustices and urged voters to support the Congress-National Conference alliance.

In a bold statement on Tuesday, Congress general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir indicated that regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir not aligning with the INDIA bloc might be 'sailing in two boats.' This comment hints at potential alliances with the BJP for the forthcoming assembly elections in the union territory.

Campaigning in the Dooru segment of Anantnag district, where he is contesting, Mir accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Congress leaders submitted his nomination papers. Tuesday marked the deadline for filing nominations for the first phase of the elections.

'Congress, NC, CPI(M), and National Panthers Party are uniting anti-BJP parties under one umbrella,' said Mir. He urged voters to seize this opportunity to address injustices experienced since the BJP's rise to power in 2014, particularly after August 5, 2019. Mir stressed the elections will bring development and restore the rights of people suppressed by the Modi government.

As the election progresses, Mir is confident that voter enthusiasm will grow, leading to a successful outcome for the Congress-NC alliance, which he believes will resolve longstanding issues. The three-phase election will conclude with vote counting on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)