Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti declared her party’s decision to contest all three Kashmir valley constituencies independently, citing differences with the National Conference (NC). Mufti criticized Omar Abdullah’s remarks, alleging the NC’s lack of respect for PDP. The move ends speculations of a pre-poll alliance within the Congress-led INDIA bloc. This decision follows NC’s move to field a candidate from PDP’s stronghold, Anantnag-Rajouri. Despite both parties being part of the INDIA bloc and the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), tensions have escalated over seat-sharing. Jammu & Kashmir’s political landscape remains complex, with the BJP dominating Jammu and regional parties controlling Kashmir.