Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Oct 10: The ruling National Conference (NC) today announced three of its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election, while discussions with its alliance partner, the Congress, are underway over the fourth seat.
The senior NC leaders are already in New Delhi to discuss with the Congress leadership which seat will be left for the Congress.
Of the four seats, the NC bloc is confident of clear numbers on two. The party’s strength of 42 in the 90-member House, adding Congress’ six and the backing of at least six Independents, gives it a working bloc of around 54 lawmakers. But to secure control across all contests and block any BJP maneuver, the alliance still needs at least four additional votes.
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That brings into play the PDP’s three seats, and one MLA each from the People’s Conference or Aam Aadmi Party and Awami Itehad Party.
The BJP, which has 28 seats and is exploring whether one or more contests can be forced if opposition ranks are not fully consolidated.
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Addressing a press conference here, NC general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar announced the names of Chowdhary Muhammad Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, and Shammi Oberoi as the party’s nominees.
“The decision was taken unanimously by the party’s Core Committee, which was attended by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and other senior leaders,” Sagar said.
On the fourth seat, however, Sagar said the decision has been kept open and will be finalized after talks with the Congress are concluded.
“We have kept the fourth seat open. Discussions with the Congress are in progress, and a decision will be taken soon. These three candidates have been given the mandate and will file their nominations in the coming days,” he added.
Meanwhile, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra told Excelsior that although the NC has left one seat for the Congress, it is not yet clear which one it will be.
“There will be discussions with the party high command in Delhi on which seat the NC has left for the Congress. Once that is known, the clarity will emerge after that, and the process will move forward accordingly,” Karra said.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and senior NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani was also present at the press conference during which the candidates were announced.
While he did not comment on the ongoing talks with the Congress, he reiterated that the decision on the fourth candidate is yet to be made.
“These three have been nominated so far. The decision on the fourth seat will be taken later,” Wani said.
Notably, the last date for submission of nomination papers is Monday, October 13.
The scrutiny of nominations will be held on October 14, at 11 am., while the deadline for withdrawal of candidature is Thursday, October 16, by 3 p.m.
Speaking on the upcoming bypolls for the Nagrota and Budgam Assembly constituencies, Wani said the party’s Parliamentary Board will take a call on the candidates in due course.
“There is still time for the nominations. The Parliamentary Board will meet and decide on the names. The last date for nominations is November 20. We will consult people from Budgam and finalize candidates for both seats accordingly,” he said.
On the Supreme Court order granting the Centre four weeks to respond to pleas seeking restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Wani said, “It is heartening that the court has given the Centre a shorter timeline. We are hopeful that the decision will be just and in our favour.”
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