Will PDP Support NC for the Third Rajya Sabha Seat?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PDP supports NC for third Rajya Sabha seat
- No backing for the fourth seat
- Focus on regional representation
- NC aims for three seats
- BJP has an edge for the fourth seat
Srinagar, Oct 23 (NationPress) The president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, declared on Thursday that her party will extend its support to the National Conference (NC) for the third Rajya Sabha seat, while refraining from endorsing the fourth seat.
The announcement of PDP's support came through a statement by Mufti after various discussions among opposition factions leading up to the October 24 Rajya Sabha voting.
Mehbooba Mufti emphasized that the PDP's three MLAs will cast their votes in favor of the NC candidate for the third seat to demonstrate a unified opposition front, but she did not extend unconditional support for the fourth seat.
“Our backing is solely for the third seat, not the fourth,” Ms. Mufti stated, while emphasizing that the party remains committed to safeguarding regional interests and ensuring equitable representation for Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament.
The NC is aiming for three Rajya Sabha seats and is looking for support from allied parties to bolster its numbers.
Meanwhile, the Congress has chosen not to contest the fourth seat, citing electoral strategies and internal disagreements regarding safe seat distribution.
The NC has put forth four candidates for the four Rajya Sabha seats, including Mohammad Ramzan Chowdhary, Sajad Kichloo, Shami Oberoi, and Imran Nabi Dar.
The BJP has also put forward its candidates for three Rajya Sabha seats, among them its J&K president, Sat Sharma.
Although the NC appears to have a significant advantage for three Rajya Sabha seats, the BJP, with 28 votes, holds an advantage for the fourth seat. All elected MLAs from the J&K legislative assembly are qualified to participate in the Rajya Sabha elections. Voting for all four seats is scheduled for tomorrow.