Srinagar Aug 22 (KINS): Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, two senior Congress leaders, visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the party’s preparedness for the upcoming assembly elections and to explore the possibility of forming a pre-poll alliance with the National Conference (NC), a key partner in the INDIA bloc.
On Thursday, after meeting with party workers, Gandhi and Kharge visited the residence of NC President Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah on Gupkar Road. According to a Congress leader, the meeting aimed to discuss a potential alliance between the two parties for the assembly elections. The Congress and NC have already engaged in multiple discussions regarding seat-sharing arrangements.
An NC leader expressed optimism about the alliance, noting that the discussions have been positive and conducted in a cordial manner. However, any final decision on the pre-poll alliance will be made by the leadership of both parties.
Speaking to the media before meeting the NC leadership, Rahul Gandhi emphasized that while the Congress is eager to form an alliance, it will not do so at the expense of the respect and dignity of Congress workers. He also stressed the importance of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it remains a priority for the Congress and the INDIA bloc. Gandhi expressed disappointment that statehood was not restored before the elections but remained hopeful that it would happen soon, along with the restoration of democratic rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the Congress is committed to helping them through difficult times and is determined to end violence in the region.
The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the counting of votes set for October 4.
