In a decisive move ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, the National Conference (NC) on Thursday issued a three-line whip to all its legislators, directing them to ensure their presence in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and to vote strictly in favour of the party’s candidates.
According to the directive issued by NC Chief Whip Mubarak Gul, MLAs as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) have been instructed not to abstain, remain absent, or vote against the official party line during Friday’s polling for the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir. The whip underscores the party’s intent to maintain complete unity and discipline within its ranks during the crucial election.
The National Conference has fielded candidates for all four Rajya Sabha seats, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced candidates for three seats. With its current numerical strength in the Assembly, the NC is widely expected to win three out of the four seats with relative ease. However, the contest for the fourth seat is expected to be closely fought, making it a key political battle to watch.
Party insiders said the leadership has been holding continuous consultations to ensure full attendance and coordinated voting on the polling day. Senior NC leaders expressed confidence that all MLAs will abide by the party’s directions and secure a “strong mandate” for the NC in the Upper House of Parliament.
The polling for the four Rajya Sabha seats is scheduled for Friday. (KINS)
