Srinagar: In a significant development, the INDIA bloc in Jammu and Kashmir faced a potential rift on Monday as leaders of the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) engaged in a heated exchange over seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Omar Abdullah, the leader of NC, asserted his party's stance, emphasizing that they would not compromise on seats previously won in elections.

Speaking at a press conference, Omar Abdullah stated, "We are open to discussions, but we cannot sacrifice the seats we have earned in the past elections. If Congress wishes, they can allocate Jammu seats to the PDP. However, we will not relinquish our seats. We remain flexible in our approach."

Despite the apparent discord, Omar Abdullah expressed optimism regarding ongoing discussions with the Congress party. He mentioned, "Our negotiations with Congress are progressing positively, and we anticipate an announcement soon."

This development follows the NC's recent announcement that the party intends to contest all three seats in the Kashmir Valley, while urging Congress to contest on two seats in the Jammu region. Additionally, it was proposed to have a consensus candidate from NC and Congress for the Ladakh seat.

Jammu and Kashmir comprises five Lok Sabha seats, including two from the Jammu region, with Ladakh constituting one seat. In the previous elections, NC secured all three seats in the valley, while the BJP clinched both Jammu seats along with the sole Ladakh seat.

On March 8, Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the PDP, criticized the NC for unilaterally deciding to contest all three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, thereby undermining the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). PAGD is a coalition of five political parties advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, revoked by the Centre in 2019.

Mufti remarked, "Omar Abdullah's statement indicating the exclusion of PDP from the alliance reflects a unilateral decision by NC. This move has effectively dismantled PAGD, reducing it to a mere facade. It is disappointing to witness the alliance shattered in such a manner."

The clash between NC and PDP underscores the complexities surrounding seat-sharing negotiations and political alliances in Jammu and Kashmir, hinting at potential ramifications for the upcoming elections.

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