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J&K Rajya Sabha Battle: Congress-NC Alliance Aims to Defeat BJP

Voting has begun for four Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir at the Legislative Assembly complex in Srinagar. In a significant political development, Congress MLAs have decided to support National Conference candidates in these crucial polls. JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra emphasized that defeating the BJP remains the top priority for their alliance. These elections are particularly important as they're being held after nearly 10 years, following the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly in February 2021.

Key Points: Congress Backs NC in Jammu Kashmir Rajya Sabha Elections

  • Congress MLAs unanimously decide to support NC candidates in Rajya Sabha polls
  • NC fields four candidates while BJP contests three seats
  • Elections mark first Rajya Sabha polls in J&K after 10-year gap
  • BJP holds numerical advantage in one seat with 28 votes against NC's 24
2 min read

Voting underway for four Rajya Sabha seats in J&K

Congress MLAs support National Conference candidates in J&K Rajya Sabha polls, strengthening alliance against BJP. Voting underway for four seats after 10-year gap.

"Our goal is to ensure that the BJP faces defeat in these elections - Tariq Hameed Karra, JKPCC President"

Srinagar, Oct 24

Voting for the four Rajya Sabha seats started in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday at the Legislative Assembly complex in Srinagar, and the ruling National Conference (NC) MLAs were the first ones to cast their votes.

In an important related development, Jammu and Kashmir Congress MLAs have decided to support (NC) candidates in the Rajya Sabha polls.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) held a meeting late Thursday evening in Srinagar, after which the decision was taken.

By announcing its decision to support the NC, Congress has reaffirmed its political alignment with the ruling party. Senior Congress leader and JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra announced that all six Congress MLAs will cast their votes in favour of the NC candidates.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Karra emphasised that defeating the BJP remains the top priority for the Congress-NC alliance. “Our alliance with the National Conference is strong and principled. Our goal is to ensure that the BJP faces defeat in these elections,” he said.

The Rajya Sabha contest is expected to test the strength of alliances and expose any cracks within parties. As both camps gear up for the decisive day, all eyes are now on the numbers -- and on whether unity among opposition ranks can truly challenge the BJP’s influence in the region.

The NC has fielded four candidates, Mohammad Ramzan Chowdhary, Sajad Kichloo, Shami Oberoi and Imran Nabi Dar for the four Rajya Sabha seats.

The BJP has fielded three candidates for three Rajya Sabha seats. On the 4th seat, the BJP has fielded its UT unit president, Sat Sharma.

The NC has an edge over rivals in three Rajya Sabha seats, while the BJP has an edge over the NC in the fourth seat, with 28 votes against 24 of the NC alliance. The PDP has announced support for NC on the third seat.

All elected MLAs of the 90-member J&K Assembly are eligible to vote in the Rajya Sabha elections. These elections are being held after nearly 10 years and could not be conducted as Jammu and Kashmir did not have an active Legislative Assembly after February 2021.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
After 10 years without an active assembly, this is a significant step towards normalcy in J&K. The numbers game is interesting - NC has advantage in 3 seats while BJP leads in one. Let's see how the voting goes!
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Arjun K
While political alliances are important, I hope our elected representatives remember that they are voting for people who will represent J&K in Parliament. The focus should be on development and peace, not just political one-upmanship.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Kashmir multiple times, I genuinely hope these elections bring stability and development to the region. The people deserve representatives who will work for their welfare in Delhi.
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Vikram M
The fact that PDP is supporting NC on one seat shows how political equations have changed in J&K. This is no longer about traditional rivalries but about larger political objectives. Interesting times ahead!
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Michael C
While I understand the anti-BJP sentiment, I hope the elected representatives consider the candidates' qualifications and not just party affiliations. J&K needs capable voices in Rajya Sabha who can effectively advocate for the region's needs.

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