Congress exploring alliance with NC, PDP for J&K polls

Srinagar: The National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party have opened channels with the Congress’ central leadership for talks over an alliance in the assembly polls, the Congress’ newly-appointed state unit chief Tariq Hameed Karra said on Monday.

“To my knowledge, the National Conference has already approached the central leadership for an alliance,” Karra told reporters. Karra, who was last week named the Congress chief for Jammu and Kashmir, received a rousing reception upon his arrival from New Delhi.

Asked if the People’s Democratic Party had approached the Congress for an alliance, he said, “At some level, talks have happened.” The Congress is “very sure” that if the regional parties -- a part of the opposition INDIA bloc -- continue with the aim for which the alliance was formed, “we will succeed”, Karra said.