SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, Aug 22: The recent announcement of a political alliance between the National Conference (NC) and Congress for the forthcoming assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has sent ripples through the region’s political landscape.
This unexpected move is causing anxiety among local mainstream leaders as the scramble for the mandate in this politically sensitive region heats up.
The alliance, which brings together two of Jammu and Kashmir’s most prominent political entities, has triggered speculation and concern over who will secure the mandate in various constituencies, particularly in North Kashmir.
Insiders close to the top leadership of both parties have revealed to Kashmir Despatch that this alliance could come at a cost for several seasoned leaders within both parties, potentially leading to their exclusion from the candidate list.
Impact on Leadership
According to sources, the alliance is expected to prioritize candidates with strong political clout, particularly those who demonstrated solid performances in the 2014 assembly elections. This strategy has left many sitting leaders on edge, with some fearing that they might be sidelined in favor of more prominent figures. As a result, several leaders are weighing their options, with some considering leaving their respective parties and contesting as independents.
In North Kashmir, a region known for its complex political dynamics, these developments are particularly significant. The alliance has introduced new uncertainties in key constituencies, where established political figures now face the possibility of being passed over for the upcoming elections.
Sopore Seat: Alliance in Flux
One of the most closely watched constituencies is Sopore, where the alliance is still in a state of flux. According to sources, Congress is expected to field a candidate in this crucial seat. However, there is speculation that the National Conference may back its own candidate, Irshad Rasool Kar. Alternatively, Congress could nominate Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, a seasoned politician who has won elections in Sopore twice before. The outcome remains uncertain, and the decision will likely shape the political dynamics in Sopore.
Rafiabad: National Conference’s Prospective Candidate
In Rafiabad, another key constituency in North Kashmir, sources suggest that the National Conference is likely to field Javeed Dar as its candidate. Dar, who has previously held significant influence in the region, could benefit from the alliance’s backing, giving him a stronger platform from which to contest the elections.
Baramulla, Uri, Gurez, and Tangdar: NC’s Dominance
The National Conference appears to be consolidating its position in several other important constituencies in North Kashmir. In Baramulla, the party is expected to field Javeed Hussain Beigh as its candidate.
Similarly, in Uri, the National Conference is poised to nominate Dr. Sajad, who is seen as a strong contender for the seat. The party is also preparing to field candidates in Gurez and Tangdar, two constituencies where it has historically held significant sway.
The Alliance’s Strategy in North Kashmir
Sources close to the leadership of both the National Conference and Congress have emphasized that the National Conference is likely to dominate the ticket distribution in North Kashmir. The party’s stronghold in the region, particularly in constituencies like Uri, Baramulla, Rafiabad, Gurez, and Tangdar, positions it as the primary force in the alliance’s strategy. This dominance reflects the National Conference’s deep-rooted influence in the region, which could shape the electoral outcomes in these key seats.
Regarding the development of the National Conference-Congress alliance, sources further stated that the Congress party is likely to retain the Langate, Kreeri-Wagoora, Sopore, Shaltang, Hazratbal, Tral, Dooru, and Anantnag seats.
With several established leaders potentially sidelined and others considering independent runs, the upcoming elections promise to be closely contested and pivotal for the future of North Kashmir’s political landscape.
