Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday held a crucial meeting of Congress party’s Election Management Committee and discussed strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections here.
Azad, who was recently appointed as chairman of the Campaign and Election Management Committee (CEMC) for Jammu and Kashmir, arrived in winter capital and met other members of committee including state Congress president G A Mir, former minister Rigzin Jora, former union minister Prof Saifuddin Soz, former minister Tara Chand, former member parliament Madan Lal Sharma, former minister G M Saroori and ex-MLA Asgar Karblai.
“The discussions and deliberations were held for three hours at the official residence of former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad,” said Ravinder Sharma, Chief Spokesperson of Pradesh Congress.
“Detailed discussion were also held on probable alliance of National Conference and Congress for Lok Sabha polls, where both the parties agreed on a 50-50 percent seat sharing arrangements,” party sources privy to the development said.
Congress spokesperson said that the meeting was also apprised about discussions with likeminded forces for a united fight against the communal and divisive forces in the state. He said that the leaders shared their views and inputs for the final decisions to be taken by the party high command.
“The committee deliberated on all political scenarios in the state and preparedness of the party in view of the forthcoming elections and chalked out the strategy for the campaign in three regions of the state and discussed the measures for activating the organizational structure so that the party cadres are fully geared up,” Sharma said.
“We discussed our strength and shortfalls in the maiden meeting of election committee,” said state Congress president G A Mir, who was part of the meeting. He further added that overall position and preparation of party for Lok Sabha and assembly polls were also part of discussions.
On announcement of candidates, Mir said: “We already discussed some names in Pradesh Election Committee (PEC) but the final call would be taken by Central Election Committee (CEC)”.
Replying to a question on the aggressive campaign of Congress leader Vikram Aditya Singh for Udhampur- Doda-Kathua constituency, Mir said: “Officially no name has been yet announced and his campaign is for the party only.”
Similarly, replying to a question on seat-sharing alliance with the NC, Mir said, “Coalition always happens when both partners sense the situation and evaluate their political strength.”
“Congress as a national party is always ready to join other secular parties and as a big brother we prefer to give space to small regional parties,” he said.