7 Key Points About the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference

1. Formation and History of the National Conference

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) was founded in 1932 by Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah as the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference. It was renamed the National Conference in 1939 to represent all people of the state. The party has been a significant political force in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for the state's autonomy and integration with India.

2. Pre-Poll Alliance with Congress for 2024 Elections

For the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the JKNC has formed a pre-poll alliance with the Congress party. This alliance aims to avoid a hung assembly and provide a clear option for voters. The JKNC will contest 51 seats, the Congress 32, and the CPI(M) one seat, with six seats witnessing a friendly contest between the Congress and the JKNC.

3. Omar Abdullah's Stance on BJP's Role in Elections

Omar Abdullah, the vice-president of the JKNC, has stated that the BJP would want a hung assembly to prolong the lieutenant governor's rule. He also claimed that the BJP is aware it won't get significant support from Kashmir and has been targeting Muslim families to hide its failures.

4. Lower Voter Turnout in Some Areas of Kashmir

Omar Abdullah has highlighted the lower voter turnout in some areas of Kashmir compared to the 2014 assembly elections. For example, in the Noorabad segment, the voting percentage was 20% lower this time despite no boycott. He urged the government to think about why this happened despite normal conditions.

5. Rahul Gandhi's Visit to Kashmir

Omar Abdullah welcomed Rahul Gandhi's visit to Kashmir and suggested that he should visit more often to boost the morale of party cadres. He noted that senior BJP leaders have been frequent visitors to Kashmir, but Rahul Gandhi's visits would be crucial for the Congress party.

6. Party's Stand on Article 370 and Autonomy

The JKNC has been advocating for the reinstatement of Article 370 and the region's statehood since its abrogation in 2019. The party aims to encourage dialogue between India and Pakistan to address the Kashmir issue and promote autonomy for the region.

7. Upcoming Elections and Party Strategy

The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. The JKNC is focusing on grassroots campaigning and addressing local issues to secure a strong presence in the assembly.