 Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 8: Even as the ruling coalition partners — the National Conference (NC) and the Congress — have yet to announce a formal seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming by-elections in Budgam and Nagrota Assembly constituencies, several Congress leaders have begun groundwork for the Nagrota seat, signaling internal eagerness to contest independently if needed.
According to party insiders, local Congress leaders have intensified their outreach in Nagrota, holding meetings with workers and mobilizing support at the grassroots level.
The move comes despite the absence of any clarity from the high command regarding whether the seat will be contested by Congress or left to the National Conference under a coalition understanding.
In the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the two coalition partners had engaged in a “friendly contest” in Nagrota, despite being allies.
The seat was ultimately won by BJP candidate Devender Singh Rana, who secured 48,133 votes, defeating his nearest rival Joginder Singh of the National Conference by a margin of 30,442 votes — the highest vi Local Congress leaders have intensified their outreach in Nagrota, holding meetings with workers and mobilizing support at the grassroots level.
The move comes despite the absence of any clarity from the high command regarding whether the seat will be contested by Congress or left to the National Conference under a coalition understanding.
In the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the two coalition partners had engaged in a “friendly contest” in Nagrota, despite being allies.
The seat was ultimately won by BJP candidate, late Devender Singh Rana, who secured 48,133 votes, defeating his nearest rival Joginder Singh of the National Conference by a margin of 30,442 votes — the highest victory margin recorded across the Union Territory.
The Congress candidate, Balbir Singh, had managed to secure 5,979 votes, finishing third. Despite this poor showing, several Congress leaders are reportedly lobbying the party high command for a ticket this time, believing that the changed political atmosphere and local factors could improve their prospects.
Sources said the party’s district and block-level units have been directed to keep preparations ready for both scenarios — whether Congress contests independently or as part of a coalition deal.
“Many local leaders feel that Nagrota is strategically important and that Congress should not concede it without a serious claim,” a senior party functionary said.
Political observers believe the upcoming by-elections could test the cohesion of the NC-Congress alliance, especially if both parties stake claims over the same constituencies.
The Election Commission is likely to announce the bypoll schedule soon, with the contests expected to draw significant attention given their symbolic importance in the post-Assembly election political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. | 