NC shifts focus to Hindu-dominated pockets to become BJP’s alternate in Jmu

Jammu: Apart from strengthening its base in Kashmir Valley, National Conference (NC) seems to have shifted its focus on Hindu-dominated areas of Jammu region with its leadership feeling that Congress may fail to make an impact on ground during the upcoming Lok Sabha and yet-to-be declared Assembly elections.
Under the plan, the party has not only intensified its campaign to reach out to the masses in Hindu-dominated belts but it is also in touch with some politicians, who enjoy good public support, to bring them into party-folds to ensure “better performance” of the party in any electoral exercise.
“The party leadership feels that Congress may prove to be a liability and non-performing asset for it against the backdrop of its dwindling popularity among the masses at national level as well as in Jammu and Kashmir. The top leadership of the party (NC) also observes that only NC can provide Jammu people a political alternative to BJP,” a senior party leader told The News Now.
The leader said the NC has entered into an alliance (I.N.D.I.A bloc) with Congress and other parties at national level for Lok Sabha polls. “The alliance does not mean that the party (NC) has given Congress a freehand in the Jammu region. We are working tirelessly to further strengthen our base in Hindu-dominated belts and we are hopeful that it will deliver better results in the next Assembly elections as and when it takes place,” the leader said.
On Sunday, the NC vice-president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shifted all blame on “arrogant” Congress leadership for ensuring the victory of the Saffron Party in assembly elections conducted in three states of the Hindi heartland. “It appears that Congress leadership has failed to realize the ground situation in the state of Madhya Pradesh where the Samajwadi Party had wanted some seats to give a united fight to the BJP”, Omar pointed out.
The leader said the recent statement of young NC leader Danish Bhat wherein he allegedly made some offensive remarks against Dogra community was seriously viewed by the party leadership and he was asked to make a public apology with a sole motive to ensure that the party doesn’t seen in isolation in Jammu region.
The party insiders also disclosed that the NC has started focusing on the Pir Panjal region, comprising Rajouri and Poonch district, after J&K Delimitation Commission recast it electorally by reserving the highest five Assembly segments for the Schedule Tribes (ST). “The region is fast emerging as the key pocket for political parties to win in order to rule the Union Territory,” they said, adding “Omar had an impressive political rally in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district on Saturday”.
When contacted, former legislator and senior NC leader Surinder Choudhary, who recently left the BJP, said, “The NC would contest elections on all assembly constituencies across Jammu and Kashmir because the people have great hopes and aspirations from party leadership. Given the current scenario, Jammu people have realized that the NC can provide them a good political alternate”.
“We are reaching out to the masses with a clear message that the history-old and rich culture and traditions of the Jammu region are under threat. Our businesses are now being taken over by outsiders while the law and order situation is also worsening. Incidents of kidnapping and murder are on rise. The influence of outside-people will definitely affect our unique and rich culture,” Choudhary said.
To a query, the senior NC leader candidly admitted that several leaders from BJP, Congress and other parties are in touch with top leadership and they will join the party (NC) soon. “These leaders feel that only NC can form a stable and people-friendly government in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Updated On 12/4/2023 2:18:55 AM

Comment on this Story