Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 30: In a significant political development, the Congress has deputed senior leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh to open formal talks with the National Conference (NC) leadership over the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
The move comes amid uncertainty over seat-sharing, with the ruling NC showing no signs so far of accommodating the Congress.
According to party insiders, Digvijay Singh, who enjoys a long-standing personal rapport with the Abdullah family and other senior NC leaders, has been chosen by the Congress high command to bridge the growing trust gap. Singh is expected to leverage his cordial ties with NC leadership to convince the party to part with one Rajya Sabha seat in favour of the Congress.
The Congress, being a junior ally of the NC in Jammu and Kashmir, is keen to secure representation in the Upper House as part of the broader INDIA bloc understanding.
However, the National Conference has so far given no indication that it is willing to leave a seat for the Congress, particularly after the recent statement made by AICC general secretary in-charge J&K, Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain. His remarks, perceived "Digvijay Singh, who enjoys a long-standing personal rapport with the Abdullah family and other senior NC leaders, has been chosen by the Congress high command to bridge the growing trust gap. Singh is expected to leverage his cordial ties with NC leadership to convince the party to part with one Rajya Sabha seat in favour of the Congress. The Congress, being a junior ally of the NC in Jammu and Kashmir, is keen to secure representation in the Upper House as part of the broader INDIA bloc understanding."
Political observers point out that the NC, having consolidated its position in the newly constituted Assembly and enjoying numerical strength, is confident of winning Rajya Sabha seats from the Union Territory on its own. This has further complicated Congress’s bargaining power, despite the alliance between the two parties under the INDIA bloc umbrella.
Sources said that the Congress high command views the matter as a test case for opposition unity, as denial of a seat may trigger strain in the coalition, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir where the NC dominates but depends on Congress support in certain regions.
“It is not merely about one Rajya Sabha seat, but about respecting the spirit of alliance politics. A refusal may send the wrong message to the rank and file of both parties,” a senior Congress leader said.
For now, all eyes are on Digvijay Singh’s engagement with the NC leadership, which is expected to take place in the coming days. While the Congress is optimistic about Singh’s ability to smooth ties and secure a compromise, NC’s silence on the issue indicates that tough negotiations lie ahead. | 