Why Did Congress Reject NC's Offer for Nagrota Bypoll?
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Synopsis
In a surprising political twist, Congress has opted against the National Conference's offer to contest the Nagrota bye-election. With rising tensions and strategic maneuvering, this decision could reshape the electoral landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. Will this impact the upcoming elections? Find out the full story as political dynamics unfold.
Key Takeaways
- Congress rejected NC's offer for the Nagrota bye-election.
- The Nagrota seat became vacant after Devender Singh Rana's death.
- BJP has nominated Devyani Rana for the Nagrota seat.
- NC holds a strong position in three Rajya Sabha seats.
- Voting occurs on November 11 for both constituencies.
Jammu, Oct 20 (NationPress) Frustrated by their inability to convince the National Conference (NC) to grant a ‘secure’ Rajya Sabha seat, the Congress has rejected the NC's proposal to nominate a candidate against the BJP in the Nagrota bye-election.
The rift between the NC and Congress widened when the NC put forward its own candidates for three ‘safe’ Rajya Sabha seats, proposing the 4th seat for Congress to contest.
The NC holds a distinct advantage over the three seats, while the BJP has nominated its J&K president, Sat Sharma, for the 4th Rajya Sabha seat. The BJP currently possesses a lead over the NC alliance with 28 votes compared to the alliance's 24 for this particular seat.
Following Congress's refusal to put forward a candidate for the 4th seat, the NC has subsequently nominated candidates for all four Rajya Sabha seats.
As a result of this situation, the Congress has opted not to run a candidate for the Nagrota bye-election and has requested that the NC nominate its candidate for this constituency as well.
The NC has extended an invitation for the Nagrota seat to Congress, even though the BJP has nominated Devyani Rana, the daughter of the late Devender Singh Rana, for Nagrota.
Her father previously won this seat during the 2024 Assembly elections.
On Sunday, the NC announced its candidate for the Budgam bypoll, Aga Syed Mehmood, a former minister. The BJP has chosen Aga Syed Mohsin, while the PDP has put forward Aga Syed Muntazir for this position.
The Nagrota Assembly seat became vacant following the passing of Devender Singh Rana, the sitting MLA, on October 31, 2024.
The Budgam seat was vacated after NC vice president and current Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, resigned from this seat after winning the 2024 elections in both Budgam and Ganderbal.
Omar opted to represent Ganderbal in the 90-member J&K Legislative Assembly.
Voting for Nagrota and Budgam will take place on November 11.
In the 2024 Assembly elections, the NC secured 42 seats, the BJP 29, Congress 6, PDP 3, CPI M 1, Aam Aadmi Party 1, Peoples Conference 1, Awami Ittehad Party 1, and 6 independents also emerged victorious in those elections.
Later, the Congress decided to support the Omar Abdullah-led NC government from outside without joining it.
Point of View
The Congress's refusal to field a candidate for the Nagrota bye-election signals a significant shift in the political dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir. Their decision to support the NC government from outside indicates a strategic alignment, yet their rejection of the NC's offer reveals underlying tensions. This situation warrants close attention as it may influence voter sentiment and electoral outcomes in the region.
NationPress
20/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Congress refuse the NC's offer?
Congress declined the NC's offer due to frustrations over not securing a 'safe' Rajya Sabha seat, indicating deeper political rifts.
Who are the candidates for the Nagrota bye-election?
The BJP has nominated Devyani Rana, while the NC is expected to field its own candidate following Congress's refusal.
What led to the vacancy in the Nagrota seat?
The Nagrota Assembly seat became vacant due to the death of the sitting MLA, Devender Singh Rana.
What is the significance of the Budgam seat?
The Budgam seat became vacant following the resignation of Omar Abdullah, who won from both Budgam and Ganderbal.
When will the elections take place?
Voting for both the Nagrota and Budgam seats is scheduled for November 11.
