Srinagar: The National Conference (NC), which emerged as the single-largest party in the recent Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by securing 42 seats in the 90-member House, has bolstered its position after receiving the backing of four Independent legislators. With this additional support, the NC’s tally has reached 46 seats, giving it the majority needed to form the Government.
The Independents who extended their support to the NC are Pyaray Lal Sharma, Satish Sharma, Choudhary Mohammed Akram, and Dr. Rameshwar Singh, who won from the constituencies of Inderwal, Chhamb, Surankote, and Bani, respectively. Their victory margins over their closest rivals were 643, 6929, 8851, and 2048 votes.
With this new backing, the NC has effectively secured a majority and no longer requires the support of its pre-poll allies, the Congress and lone CPI(M) member Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, to form the Government.
This development has reduced Congress, previously seen as a junior partner in the potential coalition, to a lesser role, a political analyst told KNS.
Pyaray Lal Sharma, who won from Inderwal as an Independent, emphasized that his support for the NC is unconditional. He clarified that while he has not formally joined the party, he has long been associated with it and is extending his support to ensure stable government formation. (KNS)