Arjumand Shah
Srinagar, Aug 21 (KINS): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alongside Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on a two-day visit and was met with an enthusiastic reception in Srinagar.
The visit is seen as a crucial step in finalizing a pre-poll alliance with the National Conference (NC) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the region.
Gandhi’s arrival in J&K has sparked anticipation of political shifts, with sources revealing that several local political leaders and activists are expected to join the Congress within the next 24 hours. The new members will be welcomed by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in a formal ceremony.
Insiders have confirmed that the visit is centered on key meetings with local Congress leaders, as the two top Congress figures strategize seat-sharing agreements with the NC. These discussions are integral to the party’s preparation for the upcoming elections, as Congress aims to strengthen its position in the region.
“Our policy is very clear. We are ready to join hands with any party or individual who is against the BJP and its policies,” a senior Congress leader revealed to KINS, indicating the Congress’s openness to alliances beyond the National Conference. “To my knowledge, NC has already approached our central leaders.”
The visit follows NC President and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s recent statement in which he ruled out any pre-poll alliance with other parties. However, sources indicate that the NC has since reached out to the Congress, prompting Gandhi and Kharge’s visit to the region.
The Congress and NC are already part of the opposition India Bloc at the national level, and this potential alliance marks a significant move in the lead-up to the J&K Assembly elections.
The two parties previously formed a pre-poll alliance during the Lok Sabha elections, with Congress contesting seats in Jammu and Ladakh, while the NC focused on Kashmir. Despite Congress losing all its contested seats, the NC secured two victories in Kashmir.
Rahul Gandhi and Kharge’s visit reflects Congress’s determination to regain political ground in the region, particularly in Jammu and the Chenab Valley.
“The next 24 hours are expected to see a significant influx of political figures joining Congress, further strengthening the party’s position as it prepares for a tough electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir” the congress leaders said.(KINS)
Rahul Gandhi , Kharge receive warm welcome in Sgr, ‘Likely to discuss Pre-Poll alliance with NC Ahead of J&K elections’
