Congress-NC Rift Deepens Over J&K Elections
The Congress party's recent decision to abstain from the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and Assembly bypolls in Jammu and Kashmir is a significant development in the region's political history since Independence. This move has resulted in a widening rift with the National Conference (NC), which is a key ally in the INDIA bloc.
With the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 24 and the Assembly bypolls for Nagrota and Budgam on November 11, the stakes are high. The NC has decided to field candidates for all four Rajya Sabha seats and the two Assembly seats, while Congress has chosen to sit out. This decision has sparked accusations of betrayal and unfulfilled promises between the two parties.
Historically, the Congress has been a significant player in J&K politics, and its withdrawal from these elections marks a departure from its traditional role. The NC had offered Congress a chance to contest one of the safer Rajya Sabha seats, but the party considered it "unsafe" and refused, leading to rising tensions.
In the past, both parties had a friendly competition in the Nagrota constituency, but the political landscape has shifted. The NC has criticized Congress for not taking a stand, claiming that it could have secured enough votes to win the fourth Rajya Sabha seat with support from other parties. Congress leaders, on the other hand, argue that there aren't enough votes left after the NC’s allocation for the third seat.
The BJP has also entered the fray, fielding Devyani Rana, the daughter of a deceased MLA, in Nagrota, thus adding another layer of complexity to the elections. The sympathy factor may bolster her chances, making the situation even more challenging for Congress and NC.
Despite their differences, Congress leaders have indicated that they will still support NC candidates to keep the BJP at bay. This alliance, however fragile, underscores the significant role of strategic partnerships in Indian politics, particularly in a region like Jammu and Kashmir, where communal tensions run high.
As the elections approach, the political landscape in J&K remains dynamic and unpredictable. The decisions made by Congress and NC could have long-lasting implications for their futures and the broader electoral scenario in the region.
