Congress challenges National Conference: All six seats on table, not just three

Naseer Ganai

Srinagar, February 27

While the National Conference (NC) maintains its stance insisting on negotiating for only three out of the six seats in Jammu and Kashmir — citing the non-negotiability of the three seats of the Valley which they won in the last Lok Sabha poll — the Congress holds a different view. Congress leaders say that discussions should include all six seats.

Only 3 seats open for negotiation: Omar

National Conference’s Omar Abdullah has reiterated his party’s stance that out of the six seats in Jammu and Kashmir, three belong to the National Conference, leaving three seats open for negotiation — Jammu, Ladakh and Udhampur

“Our stance is unequivocal: Negotiations must cover all six seats. We need to consider various factors during these discussions, including past vote percentages and candidate performance,” Congress leader GN Monga told The Tribune.

He said that many within the Congress share the opinion that the party should contest at least from one seat in the Valley. “I share the same sentiment. We have a presence in the region,” he added.

Monga says it is important to hold fair negotiations. “Talks must involve all six seats, not just three. We deserve representation given our polling percentage in the previous polls. The party in J&K is also gaining momentum and those who left and joined Ghulam Nabi Azad have returned.” He said there was a need for discussions about all six seats for a comprehensive resolution.

Earlier, the National Conference leadership announced that ongoing discussions with the Congress about seat sharing continue. Dr Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference, said the party’s intention is firm about forming an alliance with the Congress for these elections.

“It is indisputable that we must forge an alliance with the Congress,” Abdullah said. He said having alliance is important. Pointing towards the BJP, he said those who have marginalised identities and rights would not get any support from the people.

Abdullah also questioned the delay in holding Assembly poll in Jammu & Kashmir, saying if the Election Commission of India can organise parliamentary elections, there should be no impediment in conducting state elections.

Earlier, Omar Abdullah said that discussions had begun in Delhi. He said Congress had put up a specific proposal that required internal deliberation within the National Conference. He said the party would go back for the second round of the discussion with the Congress.

He reiterated his party’s stance that out of the six seats in Jammu and Kashmir, three belong to the National Conference, leaving three seats open for negotiation — Jammu, Ladakh and Udhampur. He said that these discussions would progress further in the upcoming rounds leading to an agreement.