NC courts PDP to secure Rajya Sabha sweep in J&K
Srinagar, Oct 22: The National Conference (NC) has stepped up efforts to consolidate non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) support ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for October 24, reaching out to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for backing its candidates.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah exuded confidence that the party would win all four seats, while urging political rivals to refrain from issuing “baseless statements.”
On the PDP’s support, CM Omar confirmed that NC leader and Rajya Sabha candidate Shami Oberoi met PDP President Mehbooba Mufti to seek backing for NC candidates.
“Earlier, Farooq Abdullah also spoke with her. Although the PDP has not made any public announcement, Mehbooba Mufti assured that she would consult with her colleagues and take a decision,” he said.
The outreach underscores NC’s strategy to consolidate votes among regional parties and independents to prevent any BJP gains.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a joint strategy meeting of NC and its allied MLAs, CM Omar said the Legislature Party meeting, attended by NC legislators and independents, was convened to devise a strategy for the upcoming elections.
“This session is different from other legislative meetings because of the significance of the J&K Assembly Autumn Session and the Rajya Sabha elections. With the enthusiasm seen among NC MLAs and independents, I am hopeful that NC will secure all four seats,” he said, thanking independent MLAs, including Tarigami, for their participation.
For NC, winning the fourth Rajya Sabha seat is mathematically challenging, requiring support from both PDP and Congress MLAs.
Addressing Congress’s absence, he clarified that the party held its own session but has consistently said it would not allow the BJP to succeed.
“There is a difference between our party and Congress locally. Their leadership waits for high command directives, whereas we make decisions here. The Congress high command will not favour the BJP,” he said, underlining the alignment of regional strategy with national leadership.
The CM also dismissed claims by the Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma, regarding alleged offers to form a government with the BJP, terming them “baseless”.
“We have not made any such offer. The LoP must stop issuing these statements,” he said.
The Rajya Sabha elections in J&K are being held amid heightened political calculations.
J&K sends four members to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the bicameral Parliament, with a total strength of 88 in the Legislative Assembly, determining the outcome.
NC’s outreach to the PDP and coordination with independents is seen as a strategic move to ensure a clean sweep for all four seats.
