What’s Causing the Deadlock Between NC and Congress Over Rajya Sabha Seat-Sharing in J&K?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Deadlock between NC and Congress over Rajya Sabha seat-sharing.
- The BJP holds an advantage in the upcoming elections.
- NC has announced candidates for three secure seats.
- Congress may opt out of contesting the fourth seat.
- Farooq Abdullah is prioritizing his presence in Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar, Oct 11 (NationPress) Following the National Conference (NC) revealing its candidates for the three Rajya Sabha seats, a deadlock has emerged regarding the fourth seat offered to the Congress party, which reportedly prefers a safer option for contesting.
In terms of the electoral college vote distribution, the BJP holds a significant advantage with 28 votes compared to the NC alliance's 24 votes for this contentious fourth Rajya Sabha seat.
For the three secure seats, the NC on Friday put forth its candidates: Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, Sajad Kichloo, and Sammi Oberoi.
Senior NC leader and General Secretary, Ali Mohammad Sagar, along with Advisor to Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, informed the media, "The candidates for the three Rajya Sabha seats have been finalized: Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, and Shammi Oberoi."
"We will announce our candidate for the fourth seat either tomorrow or the day after," Nasir Aslam Wani stated.
He also addressed rumors regarding NC President Farooq Abdullah's participation in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
According to Wani, Farooq Abdullah intends to stay in Jammu and Kashmir for the foreseeable future.
"Farooq Sahib believes his presence is more crucial in Jammu and Kashmir at this time. We share the sentiment that his insights, guidance, and experience can be more effectively utilized here. He is committed to remaining in Jammu and Kashmir now," he clarified regarding Farooq Abdullah's electoral plans.
In light of the ongoing deadlock, there are indications that Congress may opt out of contesting the fourth seat entirely.
The Election Commission declared the Rajya Sabha elections for Jammu and Kashmir on September 24, marking the first such elections in over four years due to the absence of a state Assembly since February 2021.
Voting for the four Rajya Sabha seats is scheduled for October 24.
Jammu and Kashmir consists of a 90-member State Assembly, with the NC holding 42 seats, BJP 29, Congress 6, PDP 3, CPI-M 1, Peoples Conference 1, Aam Aadmi Party 1, All Parties Conference 1, and 6 Independents, 5 of whom later allied with the NC.
The Congress party, with its six MLAs, supports the NC government led by Omar Abdullah from outside without formally joining.