Srinagar, Mar 27: The much-anticipated unity among the major political parties in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kashmir valley has fallen apart as the crucial alliance talks between the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have failed to reach any consensus.
Sources privy to the developments have revealed to Morning Kashmir that the two former allies, part of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), are now set to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections for the three seats in the Kashmir division separately.Despite efforts by PAGD spokesperson Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami and other members to broker an agreement, the two principal Kashmir-based parties have decided to go solo, putting an end to the possibilities of a joint front. The failure of the parleys signals a split in the regional alliance formed in the aftermath of the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019.
“They made several attempts to get in touch with the leadership of both the parties, but there was no positive response from either side,” they said, adding that despite putting hectic efforts to end the conflict between the two allies, the spokesman along with other conglomerate leaders have failed to ensure a joint fight in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
“Since the two parties have shown reluctance to sit on a table and come up with a favourable solution, the leadership of twin parties have now decided and selected their candidates for all the three seats of Kashmir division as well,” sources said.
“We will be ready with a decision in the next few days and an announcement would likely take place within a week,” he said.
However, NC has already claimed to fight on all three seats of the Kashmir division.
While NC Vice President Omar Abdullah will contest from Srinagar constituency, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti is likely going to contest from Anantnag-Rajouri seat in the upcoming LS polls, slated to be held in seven phases from April 19.
