Party had requested for one of first 2 seats: Karra
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Oct 12: Congress today pulled out from the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, after its alliance partner, the ruling National Conference (NC), offered them a risky seat.
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The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra announced this while talking to reporters after a marathon core committee meeting. “Since a safe seat was not available, we have decided not to nominate our candidate for the seat offered by the NC,” he added.
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Karra said that the party had requested one of the first two seats but was instead offered seat number four, which he described as “risky.”
The discussions during the meeting also reviewed the performance of the Government, the allocation of Rajya Sabha seats, and the upcoming by-elections for the vacant Nagrota and Budgam Assembly constituencies.
“Core committee members shared their views on governance, public issues, and developmental concerns. Most expressed dismay over unresolved issues,” Karra said.
He further stated that the party has formally communicated its stance to the National Conference leadership.
“We sent an official letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah outlining our position. He directed us to forward it to party president Dr Farooq Abdullah, which we have done. So far, we have not received any reply,” he said.
The meeting included senior Congress leaders from J&K, including AICC General Secretary and CLP Leader GA Mir, Working President Raman Bhalla, former PCC President Peerzada Sayeed, Mula Ram, Choudhary Lal Singh, and all the six MLAs.
The party expressed “dismay” over NC’s unilateral announcement of three Rajya Sabha candidates and said the fourth seat offered to Congress was “not acceptable.”
Regarding the Nagrota and Budgam by-elections, the Congress said further deliberations with NC will be held before a final decision.
Karra also affirmed that the party will continue dialogue with NC ahead of the by-elections.
NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, while speaking to Excelsior, described Congress decision not to field a candidate as unfortunate.
“The fourth seat remains vacant for now; we will decide soon and inform accordingly,” he said.
The NC earlier today held an important meeting of its legislators in Srinagar to chalk out the party’s strategy for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
The meeting was chaired by NC general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar and attended by senior leaders including the party’s nominated Rajya Sabha members Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Sajad Kichloo and Shami Oberoi.
During the meeting, leaders discussed in detail the party’s roadmap, coordination among MLAs, and strategies to ensure strong representation in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls.
Chairing the discussions, Sagar stressed the importance of unity and teamwork, urging all members to stay coordinated and focused on strengthening the party’s position.
“The Rajya Sabha elections are crucial for ensuring the voice of Jammu and Kashmir is represented effectively at the national level,” he said.
“The form-filling process will be completed tomorrow,” he said.
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