The Congress party in Jammu and Kashmir has clarified that it's exploring all options regarding the upcoming by-elections for two assembly seats: Budgam in Kashmir Valley and Nagrota in the Jammu region, scheduled for November 11. The Congress is currently part of the ruling coalition with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC). A decision by Congress to contest both seats independently could potentially strain the alliance. However, J&K Congress Committee president Tariq Karra stated that the party's central leadership would make the final decision on contesting these by-elections.
Omar Abdullah's Offer and Congress's Response
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Karra said, "We've placed the matter of fielding candidates on both seats before our central leadership. We're awaiting their green light. All options are open. " He also mentioned that the National Conference has indicated support for a Congress candidate in the Nagrota seat. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had stated on Friday that his party would contest the Budgam seat, but would support the Congress if it fields a candidate in Nagrota.
Signs of Strain in the NC-Congress Alliance
Recent reports suggested friction within the alliance following the National Conference's decision not to offer a 'safe seat' to Congress in the Rajya Sabha elections, while responding to these concerns, Karra remarked, "Who says everything isn't well in the alliance? " However, he conceded that the NC's decision had taken the Congress high command by surprise, while karra added, "Our leadership expected the NC to stick to its word, but a U-turn or going back on a promise naturally didn't sit well with us. " This statement highlights the underlying tensions within the current coalition.
