Should J&K Congress Leaders Withdraw from Alliance with NC?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Consensus among Congress leaders for potential withdrawal from NC alliance.
- Tensions arise over Rajya Sabha seat nominations.
- BJP holds a significant advantage in votes for the contested seat.
- Congress deems offered seat 'risky' and seeks a safer option.
- Future political landscape may shift dramatically based on Congress's decision.
Srinagar, Oct 12 (NationPress) – During a significant meeting of Congress leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, led by State Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra, it was reported by top party insiders that a consensus has been reached advocating for the party to withdraw from its alliance with the ruling National Conference (NC).
The Congress party, which holds six seats in the 90-member State Assembly, has been supporting the government led by Omar Abdullah from the outside without formal participation.
Tensions within the NC-Congress alliance intensified after the NC announced three candidates for the Rajya Sabha seats and controversially offered a fourth seat to the Congress, a situation where the BJP clearly holds an advantage.
According to the vote distribution for the contested fourth Rajya Sabha seat, the BJP possesses 28 votes compared to the NC-Congress alliance's 24 votes.
On Sunday, the BJP nominated its Jammu and Kashmir Party President, Sat Sharma, for this fourth Rajya Sabha seat, making his victory likely unless unexpected cross-voting occurs.
The Congress party deemed the offered seat as 'risky' and requested the NC to provide a more secure seat for their candidates.
Following the announcement of candidates for three 'safe' seats by NC General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar and Chief Minister's advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, the NC declined to allocate any of these seats to the Congress. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Congress President convened a meeting with its six MLAs and senior party leaders to deliberate on the future strategy.
Sources indicated that almost all party leaders participated in the ongoing discussions in Srinagar.
“A consensus has emerged during the meeting that the party should withdraw from the alliance with the NC,” stated top Congress sources.
Karra is expected to address the media following the conclusion of the meeting with the NC.
It remains to be seen whether the announcement regarding the alliance withdrawal will be made by the Jammu and Kashmir Congress President or if it will be deferred to the party's high command.