The ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections have exposed growing tensions between National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and their ally, the Congress party. As voting progresses in the second phase, differences between the two parties have surfaced, particularly regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s focus in the campaign.
Voting in the Second Phase of Assembly Elections
The second phase of voting is currently underway in Jammu and Kashmir, with voters deciding the fate of candidates across several constituencies. However, the alliance between National Conference and Congress appears strained due to differing opinions on campaign strategies. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, the National Conference is contesting 51 seats, Congress is contesting 32 seats, and CPI(M) is contesting one seat. Six additional seats are open for ‘friendly contests’ between the National Conference and Congress.
Omar Abdullah’s Criticism and Strategic Advice
Omar Abdullah has openly criticized Rahul Gandhi, urging him to shift his focus away from Kashmir and prioritize campaigning in Jammu. Abdullah emphasized that Congress should concentrate on the Jammu region, where the party has the majority of its seats, rather than spending too much effort in Kashmir, which is less crucial for Congress.
Abdullah remarked, “I hope Rahul focuses on Jammu after campaigning for a seat or two in Kashmir. What Congress does in Kashmir is not significant; their actions in Jammu are what truly matter.” He also expressed his disappointment with Congress’s campaign efforts in Jammu, noting that despite having been allocated most of the seats in the region, the party has not fully launched its campaign.
Abdullah stated, “Unfortunately, Congress hasn’t worked as hard in the plains of Jammu as we had hoped. Even though the coalition has given most of the seats in Jammu to Congress, their campaign has yet to start, and only five days remain. I hope once Rahul finishes campaigning in the valley for this one seat, Congress will direct all its attention towards Jammu’s plains.”
Abdullah’s View on the Second Phase of Elections
Speaking to ANI, Abdullah expressed optimism about the ongoing election process, stating, “We have been waiting for ten years. The first phase went well, and we expect a good turnout in the second phase too. This enthusiasm is encouraging, and we hope it translates into high voter turnout.”
Abdullah’s Critique of PDP
Targeting the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Abdullah predicted that the party would struggle to win even from Bijbehara, a small town in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The second phase of voting began on Wednesday morning, involving over 2.5 million eligible voters across 26 constituencies in six districts of the union territory. In total, 239 candidates, including prominent figures like former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah (contesting from Budgam and Ganderbal), Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina (Naushera), and Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Hameed Karra (Central-Shalteng), are in the fray.
Upcoming Election Timeline
The final phase of the Assembly elections is scheduled for October 1, and the vote counting will take place on October 8.
Omar Abdullah and Congress are clashing over campaign strategies, particularly focusing on Rahul Gandhi’s attention in Kashmir instead of Jammu.
National Conference is contesting 51 seats, Congress 32, CPI(M) one, and six seats are open for friendly contests between Congress and National Conference.
Abdullah believes that Congress should focus more on Jammu, where it has a stronger voter base, rather than spending too much time campaigning in Kashmir.
The last phase of the elections will be held on October 1, with the counting of votes on October 8.
This ongoing election in Jammu and Kashmir highlights not just the political contest but also the strategic differences between coalition partners, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle in the coming days.