In a pivotal political shift, the National Conference (NC) and Congress have officially formed an alliance for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, marking their first pre-poll collaboration since 1987. This strategic partnership aims to consolidate votes against the ruling BJP and restore political stability in the region.
Alliance Formation and Context
Following a meeting between NC leader Farooq Abdullah and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, Abdullah announced that the alliance will contest all 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the urgent need to address the suffering of the people over the past decade, with a strong focus on restoring statehood and combating divisive forces in the region.
Historical Significance
This alliance is particularly noteworthy as it comes after significant political changes in Jammu and Kashmir, especially the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped the region of its special status and downgraded it to a Union Territory. The upcoming elections are historic, being the first assembly polls since this constitutional shift, and both parties are keen to leverage local dissatisfaction with the BJP to secure a majority.
Key Manifesto Highlights
The NC's manifesto outlines several critical promises, including:
- Restoration of Autonomy: A commitment to restore Articles 370 and 35A, which previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
- Repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA): A call to revoke this legislation, criticized for enabling arbitrary detentions.
- Indo-Pak Dialogue: Advocating for renewed discussions between India and Pakistan to foster peace in the region.
- Youth Employment Generation: A pledge to create 100,000 jobs and fill all government vacancies within 180 days of assuming power.
Political Landscape and Implications
Historically, Jammu and Kashmir has seen hung assemblies since 2002, with no party achieving an outright majority. The NC and Congress hope that their alliance will prevent a fractured mandate and enable them to form a stable government. The NC is particularly optimistic about its performance in the Kashmir Valley, while Congress aims to regain ground in the Jammu region, which has leaned towards the BJP in recent elections.
The alliance also excludes the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which has struggled to maintain relevance after its previous coalition with the BJP. This exclusion reflects a tactical decision by the NC and Congress to consolidate their positions without the PDP, which has faced internal challenges and a decline in support since the abrogation of Article 370.
As the assembly elections approach, the alliance between the National Conference and Congress represents a significant shift in Jammu and Kashmir's political dynamics. With a shared goal of restoring statehood and addressing local grievances, this partnership could reshape the region's governance and political landscape, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions and aspirations for autonomy.
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