New Delhi: The Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir is facing several challenges. Congress leaders say that the ruling NC has been neglecting communication with its alliance partner which has further strained their relationship.
A top Congress leader in the valley described the relationship two as “not good”, and further said, “There is no coordination between the two parties. NC is pursuing its own path, while Congress is marginalised already as it does not have any ministry. The Congress high command had decided not to have any ministry, because we didn’t want to be part of a regional narrative which could have affected us nationally.”
A political expert said, “Congress is not as much politically present in the union territory as it should be in order to establish its ground. NC doesn’t want it to have much of a presence either. The regional party needs to have an understanding with the BJP to run the government. All the ruling parties in the Northeast or Jammu and Kashmir need to have an understanding with the Centre to function effectively. So, Congress being the principal opposition party, does not want to be part of any arrangement involving the BJP.”
NC primarily advocates for J&K’s regional autonomy and restoration of Article 370. However, the Congress, being a national party, has to balance these demands with its pan-India narrative. This ideological divide, from the start, has led to differences in policy and strategy.
A political analyst said, “J&K’s electorate is divided along regional lines- Kashmir Valley and Jammu have distinct political dynamics. Balancing the demands of the Jammu region (where Congress has stronger prospects) with the Kashmir Valley (dominated by NC) is challenging.”
Both parties have faced criticism for their governance in the past. NC, in particular, has been accused of corruption and dynastic politics, while Congress has struggled to overcome its image of neglect toward J&K.
A Congress leader said, “Currently, the political atmosphere is very sensitive in the state. Something seems to be brewing. NC does not want to further spoil its relationship with Congress, but at the same time, they want to strengthen their future.”