INDIA Bloc Tensions Deepen as NC, Congress Clash Over Seat-Sharing
By: Javid Amin | 12 October 2025
The fragile unity of the Indian National Congress and Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) within the INDIA alliance suffered a fresh setback as the Congress on Saturday announced it would withdraw from the Rajya Sabha race in Jammu and Kashmir, after failing to secure what it described as a “safe seat.”
JKPCC chief Tariq Hamid Karra confirmed the decision following an internal core committee meeting.
“Seat four is not safe. It was unanimously decided that we will not put up our candidate,” Karra said.
The Trigger: Seat-Sharing Fallout
The Congress leadership had expected the NC to concede one winnable Rajya Sabha seat as part of the INDIA bloc understanding. However, with NC deciding to field three candidates for the four seats at stake — and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintaining a numerical advantage — Congress viewed the contest as a losing battle.
Party insiders said the decision was a “strategic retreat” rather than an “alliance breakdown,” but admitted that the development exposes deep fault lines in coordination between the two regional partners.
Rajya Sabha Poll Timeline
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Notification Issued: October 3, 2025
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Last Date for Nominations: October 11
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Withdrawal Deadline: October 14
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Election Date: October 24
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Result Declaration: October 24 (evening)
With Congress out of the fray, the NC is set to consolidate its position on three seats, while BJP is strongly positioned to bag the fourth through its numerical strength in the Assembly.
Political Undercurrents
The episode has created ripples inside the INDIA bloc, particularly at a time when the alliance is preparing for the upcoming Budgam and Nagrota bypolls. Analysts say the fallout could:
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Undermine the perception of unity within the opposition camp.
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Affect joint campaigning strategies in sensitive constituencies.
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Give the BJP additional leverage to project the alliance as “fractured.”
A senior Congress leader, requesting anonymity, said:
“It’s not just about one seat. It’s about trust and respect between allies. If we’re not heard now, how will the alliance hold during Lok Sabha elections?”
NC’s Calculated Move
For NC, the decision to hold firm on three Rajya Sabha seats is a show of strength after returning to power in the UT. Sources in the party say the leadership believes it can comfortably secure those seats, given its legislative numbers and political positioning.
An NC spokesperson downplayed the rift, stating,
“Every party has its own calculations. This is not the end of alliance coordination.”
What Happens Next
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NC: Will focus on ensuring smooth victory of its three candidates.
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BJP: Expected to bag the fourth seat due to legislative strength.
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Congress: Will use the episode to bargain harder in future negotiations, especially for Lok Sabha and Assembly seat-sharing.
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Alliance: May see fresh talks to prevent further public spats.
Final Word
The Rajya Sabha seat withdrawal by Congress is more than a procedural decision — it’s a political signal. At a time when unity is being tested, the move highlights simmering tensions within the INDIA bloc in Jammu and Kashmir. How the alliance manages this friction in the coming weeks could shape its political fortunes far beyond one Rajya Sabha seat.
