Can Congress take NC and PDP along in Kashmir Assembly elections?

Ahead of the first Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, have arrived to discuss poll strategies with party workers and regional allies, including the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The Congress leaders' visit is also significant as the traditional arch-rivals, the NC and PDP, remain at loggerheads due to the feud that was also reflected in the last elections, aiming to mend relations and prepare to challenge their common rival, the BJP.

The NC and PDP, along with the Congress, are part of the opposition INDIA bloc, which previously challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha elections.

Political analysts suggest that a pre-poll alliance among Congress, NC, and PDP could significantly impact the BJP's prospects in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP, having ended its coalition with the PDP in 2018, aims to regain power in the region, which has been marked by political turbulence since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The NC, PDP, and Congress also form part of the Gupkar alliance, a coalition established to counteract the BJP’s influence.

Despite the potential benefits of a united opposition, the path to forging an alliance remains fraught with challenges. Historical bitterness between the NC and PDP, coupled with recent political disagreements, poses significant obstacles. The NC, in particular, has had reservations about partnering with the PDP, which could affect the viability of any coalition efforts.

The BJP has been proactive in its campaign strategy, appointing Ram Madhav as its point-person for the assembly elections. Observers note that the BJP is expected to perform strongly in Jammu, and the INDIA bloc’s ability to coordinate effectively will be crucial to countering the saffron party’s ambitions.

The PDP, despite recent setbacks including defections and internal strife, demonstrated resilience in the Lok Sabha elections, securing notable positions in Kashmir. The party’s leadership remains committed to challenging the BJP and seeks to enhance its electoral performance through potential alliances.

During their visit, Rahul Gandhi and Kharge are set to hold high-level meetings with Congress leaders and workers in Srinagar, discussing the party’s election strategy and candidate selection. The Congress delegation will also travel to Jammu for similar consultations. The strategic discussions are expected to focus on the viability of alliances and overall electoral strategy.

Gandhi’s itinerary includes attending a Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) meeting and engaging with local media. The Congress leaders’ visit underscores the party’s determination to make a significant impact in the upcoming elections, which are scheduled to take place in three phases starting September 18, with results to be announced on October 4.

In addition to political meetings, Gandhi and other Congress leaders have engaged with local communities, including a visit to a popular restaurant and interactions with residents. These activities highlight the Congress’s efforts to connect with voters and gain grassroots support in the run-up to the elections.