The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has decided to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections independently, dealing a blow to the larger INDIA bloc. This decision follows similar announcements from ally parties Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who have also opted for a solo run in the general assembly polls. 

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The decision to go solo was announced by JKNC MP Farooq Abdullah on Thursday, further complicating the seat-sharing talks within the INDIA bloc. Abdullah clarified the party’s stance, asserting, “As far as seat sharing is concerned, NC will contest alone and there’s no doubt about it.” The lack of a collective decision within the alliance on seat-sharing adds an additional layer of uncertainty to the upcoming elections. 

Source: Free Press Journal

Farooq Abdullah’s announcement comes at a time when the INDIA bloc is already grappling with setbacks. Both Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have declared their intent to contest the Lok Sabha elections independently, with TMC in West Bengal and AAP in Punjab. 

The decision by JKNC adds to the challenges faced by the 25-party opposition alliance, as Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar recently left the INDIA bloc to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Nitish Kumar’s exit has triggered fears of a potential domino effect, with other parties contemplating similar moves. The alliance, once considered formidable, is now navigating turbulent waters, raising questions about its stability and future.

Source: THE NEW INDIAN

Farooq Abdullah’s announcement does not rule out the possibility of JKNC exploring an alliance with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This opens up the prospect of a reunion between Abdullah’s party and the NDA, reminiscent of their collaboration under BJP veteran Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government in the late 1990s.