In a 60-40 arrangement, NC to get the lion’s share in Kashmir, Congress in Jammu.
Srinagar, Aug 23 : A day after the National Conference and Congress sealed a pre-poll alliance, both parties are preparing to release the first list of candidates. Sources in both parties confirmed that the lists would be released in phases, and the first phase list would, in all likelihood, be released this evening.
A senior leader in the Congress party told RNA that an important meeting of the Congress Election Committee (CEC) has been called this evening in New Delhi, where party mandates for the first phase, including South Kashmir parts and Doda, would be finalized. The same is expected to be released later this evening. RNA has learned from reliable sources that National Conference would be getting 60% of the total mandates, whereas Congress has settled down for 40% (most of them in the Jammu region).
However, the Congress has demanded traditional seats in the Kashmir division, which—according to sources—has been agreed upon by the National Conference. If sources are to be believed, the Congress may get its traditional constituencies from the Kashmir Division barring a few where its leaders have deserted the party.
In Uri, party sources say that fingers are crossed as Taj Mohi ud Din has not joined the Congress Party yet, and it is not clear whether he will re-join the party in the coming days. However, the seats that Congress has traditionally been winning, particularly in South Kashmir, are likely to go to Congress. The party may also get some seats in Central and North Kashmir. (RNA)
