Congress Declines to Contest Rajya Sabha Elections in J&K After National Conference Denies Safe Seat Request

Srinagar:

The Congress party has announced its decision to abstain from contesting the Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, citing that the National Conference alliance partner disregarded their request for a "safe seat."

Congress has publicly voiced dissatisfaction with Omar Abdullah's government, with party leaders expressing concerns regarding governance practices, administrative issues, and the overall development landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following an extensive meeting with senior leadership, Tariq Karra, who heads the J&K Congress, revealed that the party has officially communicated their decision to the National Conference but has yet to receive any response.

"Our Central leadership had discussions with National Conference leaders requesting a safe seat for Congress. We specifically sought seat number 1 or 2. However, they only offered seat number 4. Since our leadership determined that seat number 4 isn't secure, we have collectively decided against fielding any candidate," Karra explained.

The National Conference has already announced its three candidates for the Rajya Sabha, who will submit their nomination papers on Monday. National Conference representatives maintain they reserved the fourth seat for their Congress allies.

Current numbers show the BJP, with 28 MLAs in the assembly, is positioned to secure one seat. Meanwhile, the ruling National Conference—commanding 41 MLAs plus support from 6 independents, associate members, and six Congress representatives—is expected to claim three seats.

This creates significant competition for the fourth seat, an arrangement Congress finds unacceptable.

The elections for the four Rajya Sabha seats are scheduled for October 24. The BJP has named three candidates, including its J&K unit chief Sat Sharma.