by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
SRINAGAR: As political parties in Jammu and Kashmir gear up for the first phase of assembly elections, a total of 279 candidates have filed their nominations across 24 constituencies in seven districts.
The elections, set to commence on 18 September, mark a significant moment after a decade-long gap, with fresh developments and alliances shaping the political landscape.
Nasir Aslam Wani, the Provincial President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and candidate from North Kashmir’s Kupwara constituency discussed the current political climate in an exclusive interview with Kashmir Life. Wani, whose constituency will vote in the final phase on October 1, shed light on the newly formed alliance between JKNC and the Congress party—a coalition he described as a major political development in the region.
Despite the alliance, Wani emphasised that both parties are contesting primarily on their individual agendas. “The NC has presented its manifesto to the public, with Congress doing the same,” Wani clarified. He added that the alliance would see “friendly contests” in five constituencies, with both parties supporting each other in the remaining seats.
Wani acknowledged that allying was no easy feat, especially with the elections being announced sooner than expected. “The process involved extensive discussions on seat adjustments, distribution, and motivating party cadres who had been preparing for elections over the past decade,” he said.
A key issue in the region remains the status of Article 370, which the NC has vowed to restore. Addressing concerns about Congress’s stance on the matter, Wani affirmed that the NC’s position is “clear and non-negotiable.” He added, “This is not just the party’s position but a voice of the people, highlighting the constitutional and political assurances that were historically provided to the region.”
Regarding criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the alliance, Wani remarked that such objections indicate that the NC is on the right path. “As Omar Abdullah mentioned, it is a proud moment for us that the Home Minister of the country is taking time to read our manifesto,” he said.
Wani also discussed the alliance’s seat-sharing arrangement, noting that it was based on the winning potential of candidates to maximise the coalition’s overall success. The focus remains on constituencies where the alliance is strongest, such as Banihal, where both the NC and Congress have fielded candidates.
The coalition, which Wani described as a union of secular forces, aims to counteract communal elements in the region. When questioned about the exclusion of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the alliance, Wani pointed out that the PDP had chosen to remain separate. “The PDP broke the alliance during the parliamentary elections, and as such, it was our right to contest all three seats since we had sitting Members of Parliament at that time,” Wani explained.
Addressing the issue of party leadership and Omar Abdullah’s decision to contest the Assembly elections, Wani stressed the necessity of Abdullah’s involvement. “Omar Abdullah was initially reluctant to contest the elections, but the party wanted him to participate, which is why he is now standing as a candidate,” he said.
Reflecting on the NC’s past electoral performance in North Kashmir, Wani acknowledged the emotional vote that led to the victory of jailed leader Engineer Rasheed, defeating both Omar Abdullah and Sajjad Lone. Wani noted that this time around, the elections would focus more on local issues and candidate performance rather than sentiments. He said the mass vote for Rasheed was sentimental as rumours were around that he may get a harsh punishment, which never was the case.
Wani also commented on the new political dynamics, including the participation of Jamaat-e-Islami members as independent candidates. He welcomed this as a positive development, suggesting that voters would now have clearer options. “Earlier, their vote was scattered, but this time it will be more streamlined. They should come up with a clear idea, and we respect their decision to contest the polls,” he said.
Wani concluded by expressing confidence in the alliance’s prospects, emphasising that the NC aims to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir, with or without additional support from Congress. He reiterated the party’s commitment to addressing key issues such as providing free electricity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and restoring power projects to the region. “Our main aim is the restoration of power projects to the state, and we will strive to bring them back,” he said.
Finally, Wani spoke of contesting the election from his political roots in Kupwara, leaving behind his previous constituency in Srinagar. “I started my political career in Kupwara. My grandfather was also from there, so our political affiliation with Kupwara is very strong, and the people there know me very well,” he said.
As the region prepares for its first assembly elections in a decade, Wani remains hopeful about the alliance’s chances, underscoring the NC’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s lost status and constitutional guarantees. “We are contesting this election with the hope of regaining our lost status. We will restore statehood, all constitutional guarantees, job protection, and land protection, and if Almighty wills, we will return our powerful state to its original position,” Wani asserted.
