Srinagar, Oct 23: The Congress party on Thursday formally declared its support for the National Conference (NC) candidates in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Jammu and Kashmir, marking another significant consolidation within the INDIA bloc at the regional level. The polls for four Rajya Sabha seats are scheduled for Friday.
Pradesh Congress Committee chief Tariq Hamid Karra announced the decision through an official letter addressed to NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah, confirming that all six Congress MLAs will cast their votes in favour of the NC nominees. The Congress leadership, according to party insiders, took this step after internal discussions that emphasised the need to prioritise alliance unity over political differences.
Karra stated that while certain issues between the NC and Congress remain unresolved, the larger goal of safeguarding democratic institutions and ensuring a stable political framework in Jammu and Kashmir has taken precedence. “We have decided to extend unconditional support to the NC candidates in the Rajya Sabha polls. This is not just about numbers, but about strengthening the alliance and ensuring that democratic voices prevail,” a Congress leader said.
The Congress’ decision came just hours after the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) announced its own backing for the NC, signalling a rare alignment among regional and national opposition forces. This coordinated move significantly boosts the NC’s prospects of securing three of the four available Rajya Sabha seats, though the contest for the fourth seat remains tight.