Srinagar: After extensive discussions and some disagreements, the National Conference (NC) and Congress appear to be nearing a final seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

Sources have informed that while differences persist between the Congress and NC leadership over a few constituencies in the Kashmir Valley, the seat-sharing plan for the first phase is nearly finalised. Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference, acknowledged the ongoing disagreements during a media interaction in Damhal Kulgam, specifically mentioning issues with seat distribution in certain areas.

According to sources, the Indian National Congress is likely to secure four seats in the Kashmir Valley and three in the Jammu region for the first phase of the elections. In the Valley, the Dooru constituency, a stronghold of Congress candidate Ghulam Ahmed Mir, is expected to be allocated to Congress. Mir, despite his past defeat by PDP’s Abdul Rahim Rather, remains a prominent figure in the area. With Rather’s departure from PDP and later from the Apni Party, Congress is optimistic about reclaiming the seat.

Congress may also receive the Scheduled Caste reserved seat in Kokernag. Kokernag, traditionally a PDP stronghold, has seen significant changes with Choudhary Haroon’s exit from the Azad-led DPAP and his potential return to PDP, which could influence the party’s chances.

The Shangas and Devsar constituencies in the Kashmir Valley are also expected to go to Congress. In the Jammu region, Congress is considering fielding candidates in Inderwal, Banihal, and Doda. However, strong NC candidates like Khalid Soharwardy have created some tension between the two parties over these seats.

The National Conference, currently in a strong position, is likely to contest 17 of the 24 seats up for election in the first phase. Imran Dar has been a key figure for NC in recent years, though Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami, a formidable candidate, may be a point of negotiation between the parties. Although NC has not made a formal statement on this matter, Congress has already included Tarigami in the alliance.

Congress is reportedly planning to contest around six seats in Kashmir and 24 in Jammu. Additionally, Congress is considering sharing a few of its seats in Anantnag, Kulgam, Rajouri, and Poonch districts with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as part of a strategic exchange.

The finalisation of the Phase-1 seat-sharing agreement represents a crucial step forward for the alliance, setting the stage for a keenly contested election. However, with negotiations still ongoing for the remaining phases, the dynamics of this partnership may continue to evolve as the elections approach. -(The Kashmiriyart)