SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) on Monday expressed confidence in winning all seats, including the fourth one, in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, asserting that it would secure the additional seat with the support of “secular” legislators.
Speaking to reporters, NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the party’s decision on who would contest the fourth seat would be taken shortly. “We are confident of securing even the fourth seat with the help of secular legislators,” Sadiq said, terming Congress’s decision to back out from contesting as “unfortunate.”
Earlier in the day, three NC candidates submitted their nomination papers at the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly complex for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled later this month.
Echoing similar confidence, senior NC leader and MLA Eidgah, Mubarak Gul, said the party’s internal strategy could not be disclosed before the media but asserted that the NC was well-prepared to sweep the polls. “Our three candidates have filed nomination papers. There is still time till 3 pm, and the decision on the fourth seat will be taken accordingly,” Gul told reporters.
He confirmed that the nomination papers of all three candidates had been accepted, adding that scrutiny would take place on Tuesday. “We expect all our candidates to emerge victorious,” he said.
The developments come amid a deadlock between the NC and its alliance partner, Congress, over seat-sharing for the Rajya Sabha polls. Despite the rift, the NC leadership appears determined to consolidate its position and expand its representation in the Upper House.
