Political activity has intensified once again in Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference (NC) has started working on its strategy for the Rajya Sabha elections. According to internal party sources, there is near consensus on the names of President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and former minister Chowdhary Muhammad Ramzan. Preparations to send both stalwarts to Delhi politics are reportedly in the final stages.
The National Conference's core committee has seriously considered these names and decided to promote them as the party's top priority. The party leadership considers these two faces suitable for establishing a b presence in the Rajya Sabha.
Coordination with Congress on the Third Seat
Keeping in mind the alliance between NC and Congress, discussions are also ongoing regarding the third Rajya Sabha seat. The plan is to secure the third seat in their favor based on the strength of the alliance. Preparations are underway to send a senior Congress leader to the Rajya Sabha from this seat, in order to further strengthen relations between the two parties.
However, the party has not ignored the possibility of disagreement with Congress. Keeping this in mind, a backup plan has also been prepared. Sources say that if an agreement is not reached with Congress, serious consideration is being given to sending National Conference treasurer and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's close aide, Shammi Oberoi, to the Rajya Sabha from the third seat. Oberoi is considered a trustworthy and influential figure in the party's internal equations.
Why Congress Did Not Join the Government
Despite offering support in the formation of the government in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress has refused to join Omar Abdullah's cabinet. Congress says that their leaders will not accept any ministerial position until the central government restores full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Nevertheless, Congress will continue to provide support from the outside.
Political analysts believe that Congress's decision to stay out of the cabinet could be a beneficial deal for the National Conference. This will help the party maintain balanced relations with the central government and maintain political flexibility.
Omar Abdullah Was Not Informed
Recently, Congress held a major demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and demanded that the Center restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The party alleges that in the current system, even the Chief Minister is stopped by the police and files related to development are not approved by the Governor, making it difficult for the government to function.
Omar Abdullah did not seem entirely satisfied with this demonstration. He said that if he had been informed by Congress, he would have supported it as well. Omar's statement makes it clear that a lack of communication between the two parties remains a challenge.
