It is official now. Congress will not contest upcoming Rajya Sabha polls for J&K . The party pulled out from the upcoming after its alliance partner, the ruling National Conference (NC), offered them what they say a 'risky' seat.The party expressed “dismay” over NC’s unilateral announcement of three Rajya Sabha candidates and said the fourth seat offered to Congress was “not acceptable.”
While the deliberations over it took place on Sunday during the marathon meeting of the senior party leaders at Srinagar , formal announcement was made late last night Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra. “Since a safe seat was not available, we have decided not to nominate our candidate for the seat offered by the NC,” he added.
Karra said that the party had requested one of the first two seats but was instead offered seat number four, which he described as “risky.” The discussions during the meeting also reviewed the performance of the Government, the allocation of Rajya Sabha seats, and the upcoming by-elections for the vacant Nagrota and Budgam Assembly constituencies.
In what is subtly seen as NC not having considered interests of ally in terms of seat sharing arrangement, Karra said that the party had requested one of the first two seats but was instead offered seat number four, which he described as “risky.” However, in terms of numerical strength, it is certainly advantage NC which it did not want to give up, no matter with its alliance partner. It remains to be seen how Congress takes this strategy of NC in coming days.
He further stated that the party has formally communicated its stance to the National Conference leadership.“We sent an official letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah outlining our position. He directed us to forward it to party president Dr Farooq Abdullah, which we have done. So far, we have not received any reply,” he said.
As its political response to the Congress decisionNC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, has described Congress decision not to field a candidate as unfortunate.“The fourth seat remains vacant for now; we will decide soon and inform accordingly,” he said.The core Committee meeting also reviewed the performance of the Government, the allocation of Rajya Sabha seats, and the upcoming by-elections for the vacant Nagrota and Budgam Assembly constituencies.“Core committee members shared their views on governance, public issues, and developmental concerns. Most expressed dismay over unresolved issues,” Karra said.
The meeting included senior Congress leaders from J&K, including AICC General Secretary and CLP Leader GA Mir, Working President Raman Bhalla, former PCC President Peerzada Sayeed, Mula Ram, Choudhary Lal Singh, and all the six MLAs. Regarding the Nagrota and Budgam by-elections, the Congress said further deliberations with NC will be held before a final decision.Karra also affirmed that the party will continue dialogue with NC ahead of the by-elections.
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