Congress Faces Record Low in Jammu and Kashmir Polls

The Congress party experienced its worst-ever performance in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, securing only one seat in the Jammu region. Many of its prominent leaders, including two working presidents, were defeated. The party was in a pre-poll alliance with the National Conference and faced significant competition from rivals.

In a major political shift, the Congress party has recorded its lowest-ever performance in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, managing to win just one seat in the Jammu region. The party, which fielded 29 candidates, saw most of its prominent leaders, including two working presidents, fail to secure victories in the elections.

The Congress was part of a pre-poll alliance with the National Conference (NC), fielding a total of 32 candidates primarily in the Jammu region, compared to 51 by the regional partner. CPI(M) and the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) were allotted one seat each, while Congress and NC had a friendly contest on five seats.

The dismal performance continues as the Congress clinched only the Rajouri seat in Jammu, contrasting sharply with its five seats in the 2014 elections. However, minor successes were achieved in Kashmir with two seats. The Congress's electoral performance reflects a broader challenge against rivals such as the BJP, which has made significant inroads.

(With inputs from agencies.)