‘Deadlock’ between ruling allies over seat-sharing deal for RS Polls

Srinagar : The ‘deadlock’ within the ruling alliance continues over the seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. While the National Conference is offering the ‘risky’ seat to the Congress, the latter is pushing for one of the three ‘safer’ seats.

Sources told the news agency that during negotiations with the Congress high command, the National Conference offered the competitive seat to its alliance partner. However, the Congress is insisting on one of the three safer seats for its candidate.

Sources further told that the Congress may choose not to contest the ‘risky’ seat, if NC remains adamant on its offer given that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds a clear advantage on it.

“Talks between the leadership of both parties are still underway. The Congress may opt to stay away from the contest if they don’t concede a safer seat,” sources said.

The National Conference on Friday announced the candidature of Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Sajad Kichloo, and Shammi Oberoi.

While the alliance is expected to comfortably win three seats, the BJP holds an advantageous position on the fourth. The alliance has 24 votes, whereas the BJP commands 28 votes—(KNO)