The Congress on Friday hinted at jointly contesting the upcoming by-polls to the Srinagar and Anantnag Lok Sabha constituencies with the National Conference.
J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president G. A. Mir, who held a meeting in Jammu on Friday, said: “The feeling on the ground, which was reflected during our feedback with the people, was that both the Congress and the NC should contest the polls together. This will encourage people to come out and vote as they are unhappy with the PDP-BJP alliance in the State for its failure to deliver on its promises.”
However, Mr. Mir was quick to add: “Such a decision will be taken by the party high command (in New Delhi)”.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the Valley, Mr. Mir said: “It’s the prerogative of the State and the Centre to create a peaceful atmosphere.”
Meanwhile, the Congress top leaders, including recently inducted Tariq Hameed Karra, former Member of Parliament from Srinagar, passed a resolution after the meeting.
“The resolution authorises the party high command to decide about the seat adjustment for the upcoming Srinagar and Anantnag Lok Sabha elections,” said Mr. Mir.
NC in no mood
Senior NC leader Muhammad Akbar Lone, however, has given a cold shoulder to the Congress plan. “I do not think the NC is ready for any seat adjustment in the Valley. I would suggest to the Congress to back our candidates and don’t field anyone,” said Mr. Lone.
By-polls to the two parliamentary seats of Anantnag, vacant since June 2016 when Mehbooba Mufti, then Member Parliament (MP) Anantnag, took over as J&K Chief Minister, and Srinagar, vacated by Mr. Karra after resigning the PDP as MP in September 2016, are scheduled for April 12 and 9 respectively.
NC files complaint
Meanwhile, the NC on Friday filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India over “official instructions issued by the Chief Minister's Office for some high-profile appointments being made to various Public Sector Enterprises”.
“This is brazen violation of the model code after the issuance of the electoral notification ,” said NC provincial chief Nasir Aslam Wani.
