Why Did J&K Congress Opt Not to Contest RS Seat Offered by NC?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir Congress, led by Tariq Hameed Karra, announces it will not contest the Rajya Sabha seat offered by National Conference. This decision stems from concerns over the safety of the proposed seat, raising questions about the future of the alliance amid dissatisfaction within the party.
Key Takeaways
- Jammu and Kashmir Congress decided against contesting the offered Rajya Sabha seat.
- Party leaders expressed concern over the safety of the proposed seat.
- Internal dissatisfaction regarding governance and coordination was highlighted.
- The BJP has a strategic advantage in the upcoming elections.
- NC-Congress alliance holds a majority in the legislative assembly.
Srinagar, Oct 12 (NationPress) The president of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, Tariq Hameed Karra, announced on Sunday that the party has chosen not to pursue the Rajya Sabha seat extended to them by the ruling National Conference (NC).
Following an extensive meeting involving party officials such as Tariq Hameed Karra, G.A. Mir, Raman Bhalla, and Choudhary Lal Singh, the Jammu and Kashmir Congress reached a consensus to refrain from contesting the Rajya Sabha elections for the 'risky' seat presented by the NC.
In a press conference after the gathering in Srinagar, Karra informed reporters that the party had decided against vying for the fourth seat proposed to them.
“A comprehensive discussion took place regarding the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The consensus among members indicated that our central leadership preferred a safer seat—either seat number 1 or 2. Instead, the National Conference has offered us seat number 4, which is seen as less secure. Given these factors, it was unanimously resolved that we will not nominate a candidate for seat number 4 and will defer the decision to our alliance partners (NC),” he stated.
The president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee also mentioned that the party has communicated its stance to the NC leadership.
“We officially sent a letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding our perspective. He requested that we forward the letter to Farooq Abdullah, which we have done. We are still awaiting a response,” he added.
He noted that Congress members expressed dissatisfaction over governance, development concerns, and the lack of a coordination committee among alliance partners.
It is important to note that a majority of Congress leaders present during today’s meeting at the Congress headquarters voiced the opinion that the party should withdraw from the alliance with the NC.
While the NC has introduced three candidates for the three ‘safe’ Rajya Sabha seats, it has extended the fourth seat to Congress.
The BJP has nominated its Jammu and Kashmir party president, Sat Sharma, as its candidate for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat. Although the NC-Congress alliance has an advantage in securing the three seats, the BJP holds a clear lead for the fourth seat with 28 votes compared to the alliance's 24 votes for this seat.
The Election Commission announced Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir on September 24, marking the first elections in over four years since Jammu and Kashmir has not had a legislative assembly since February 2022.
In the 90-member legislative assembly, the NC-Congress alliance commands 53 seats, whereas the BJP holds 28 seats.
Among the 53 seats of the alliance, Congress possesses 6 seats and has provided external support to the NC government.
Point of View
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress's decision to forgo the Rajya Sabha seat highlights the complexities of political alliances in the region. The concerns raised by party members about governance and collaboration reveal underlying tensions that could reshape the political landscape. As the alliance navigates these challenges, it will be crucial to monitor how these dynamics influence voter sentiment and future electoral strategies.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jammu and Kashmir Congress decide not to contest the RS seat?
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress opted not to contest the Rajya Sabha seat due to concerns about its relative safety, preferring instead to focus on securing a safer seat.
What was the reaction from Congress leaders during the meeting?
During the meeting, many Congress leaders expressed dissatisfaction with governance issues and suggested that the party should consider withdrawing from the alliance with the National Conference.
Who is the candidate nominated by the BJP for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat?
The BJP has nominated its Jammu and Kashmir party president, Sat Sharma, as its candidate for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat.
What is the current composition of the legislative assembly in Jammu and Kashmir?
In the 90-member legislative assembly, the NC-Congress alliance holds 53 seats, while the BJP has 28 seats.
What were the conditions under which the Congress decided not to field a candidate?
The Congress unanimously decided not to field a candidate for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat after discussions revealed concerns over its safety compared to other available seats.
