Ahead of the crucial assembly polls in Jammu Kashmir following a hiatus of ten years, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir for two days starting tomorrow to engage in important talks with the National Conference (NC) regarding a potential pre-poll alliance.
The visit comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the much-delayed polls in Jammu and Kashmir, which have been postponed multiple times due to political and security concerns.
Sources told The Kashmiriyat that another meeting between the local Congress leadership and the NC is expected to take place today, August 20, in Jammu and Kashmir, with discussions likely to focus on finalizing a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming elections.
Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference, addressed a press conference on Monday where he categorically ruled out any alliance with the BJP.
He did, however, indicate that a partnership with Congress could be a subject of discussion.
Historically, the Congress and the National Conference (NC) have had a series of alliances in Jammu and Kashmir, beginning with their partnership shortly after 1947.
This initial alliance was crucial for integrating the state into India under Sheikh Abdullah and Jawaharlal Nehru.
However, their relationship saw significant strain in the early 50s and 60s, leading to a breakdown.
They renewed their collaboration in 1984 when Sheikh Abdullah returned to power with Congress support, and again in the 2000s, forming coalition governments in 2002 and 2008, with Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister.
The dynamic nature of their political relationship is evident as the two parties are now revisiting their alliance discussions ahead of the upcoming elections, which have faced numerous delays.
With Rahul Gandhi scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir to negotiate with NC leaders, this potential pre-poll alliance reflects their ongoing attempts to address regional issues and consolidate political power, despite a history of fluctuating partnerships and political tensions.