The Congress has decided to intensify its efforts in Jammu and Kashmir to secure the maximum number of seats in the upcoming assembly elections. The decision was made at a meeting between the Congress leaders from Jammu and Kashmir and AICC leaders in New Delhi on Thursday.
The meeting coincided with the Election Commission of India's two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to discuss the possibility of holding Assembly elections in September, as ordered by the Supreme Court in its verdict on the abrogation of Article 370. Senior Congress leaders from Kashmir, including those who met the ECI in Srinagar, also participated in the meeting.
The meeting was chaired by AICC general secretary K. C. Venugopal on behalf of AICC vice president and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
The meeting decided to redouble efforts to reach out to people to win the maximum number of seats. It was also discussed that all leaders and workers of the party will work unitedly at the grassroots level.
The meeting also discussed the security situation in the Union Territory. Ghulam Nabi Monga, a senior Congress leader who attended the meeting, said though there was no discussion on allying with other parties, the Congress would consider forming alliances with like-minded parties. He also added that the party's elections committee is giving the final shape to the election manifesto.
The J&K leaders also apprised the AICC about the political and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the Congress vote share witnessed a significant increase in the Lok Sabha polls. They also informed the AICC about the party’s position in Jammu, Kashmir, Pir Panjal, and Chenab Valley.
The local leaders also briefed the senior party leaders bout their meeting with the ECI in Srinagar. The AICC leadership will update the Congress president and vice president about the discussions held in the meeting.