NC, Cong, BJP hold internal consultations for selection
Jammu Tawi. Srinagar, October 8: Intense political consultations are underway in Jammu and Kashmir as major political parties — the National Conference (NC), the Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — deliberate over the selection of candidates for two Assembly by-elections and the forthcoming Rajya Sabha polls.
By-elections for the Budgam and Nagrota Assembly constituencies are scheduled for November 11, with counting to be held on November 14, while the Rajya Sabha elections are slated for November 24.
NC Says Core Committee to Decide on Candidates
National Conference leader and Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Cooperatives Javid Ahmad Dar said that the party’s core committee will take the final call on candidates for the upcoming by-polls after consultations with the Congress.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Dar said, “The election date for by-polls was announced only a few days ago. It takes time to follow procedures, and it is too early to say anything definite at this stage. Discussions with the Congress are ongoing, and NC’s core committee will make the final decision.”
Dar made the remarks while responding to queries on the Budgam Assembly seat on the sidelines of the International Conference on Sustainable Landscapes at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), which he inaugurated earlier in the day.
Congress Awaits Rahul Gandhi’s Return for Final Call
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra clarified that deliberations on the party’s Rajya Sabha nominee would begin only after Rahul Gandhi’s return from abroad, emphasizing that the decision lies with the central leadership.
“Until Rahul Ji and the central leadership take a call on this, it’s just narrative-building. Everyone has a right to claim candidature, but finally, it is the high command that decides,” Karra said.
He dismissed reports of formal discussions with the NC or within the Congress on either the RS nominations or the Assembly by-polls, terming them “purely speculative.” He added that while the state leadership’s views may be sought, the final authority rests with the central leadership.
BJP Election Committee to Finalise List Today
Meanwhile, the BJP’s election committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday to deliberate on probable candidates for the Budgam and Nagrota constituencies.
Party sources said the meeting will be attended by BJP state president Sat Sharma, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, MP Jugal Kishore, General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, and other members. Tarun Chugh, the party’s national general secretary and in-charge for J&K, will also join the deliberations.
The committee is expected to shortlist names and forward its recommendations to the party high command for final approval. The BJP is likely to field Devyani Rana, daughter of late Devinder Singh Rana, who had earlier won the Nagrota seat by a record margin of over 30,000 votes.
Party sources also indicated that a panel of seven names for the Rajya Sabha elections has already been submitted to the central leadership for consideration.
Political Scene Heats Up Ahead of Polls
With all major parties engaged in candidate selection and alliance-level consultations, the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing renewed activity. While both the NC and Congress are expected to coordinate seat-sharing decisions, the BJP is moving swiftly to consolidate its position in both regions.
The upcoming by-elections and Rajya Sabha polls are being viewed as a precursor to the full-fledged Assembly elections anticipated next year, marking a crucial phase in J&K’s evolving political landscape.
