Srinagar, August 23 (KNS): In a significant development ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the National Conference (NC) and Congress have formed a pre-poll alliance, announced NC President Farooq Abdullah on Thursday.

"After a meeting with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, I am pleased to announce that our parties have agreed to contest the elections together," Abdullah told the media. "The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere, and we are confident that our alliance will be successful."

The alliance will contest all 90 assembly seats, with the paperwork expected to be finalized by tonight. The NC, Congress, and CPI(M) will work together to fight the elections, with a shared goal of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

"No doors are closed for anyone," Abdullah emphasized, hinting at the possibility of other parties joining the alliance. "We are hopeful that statehood will be returned, and we will work together to achieve this goal."

Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday, where they were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd. The Election Commission of India had announced on August 16 that the J&K Legislative Assembly elections will be held in three phases, with results to be declared on October 4.

This alliance marks a significant development in the J&K political landscape, as the NC and Congress aim to present a united front against other contenders in the upcoming elections.(KNS).