Srinagar, India

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The Congress and National Conference have finalised an agreement for seat-sharing for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir's assembly elections, senior leaders from both parties announced on Monday (August 26).

51-32: National Conference, Congress formula for J&K

According to J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra, "National Conference will contest 51 seats, Congress on 32, and we have agreed on a friendly yet disciplined contest for 5 seats. Besides these 88 seats, we have reserved one seat for CPI (M) and another for the Panthers Party."

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United to combat divisive forces: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah expressed satisfaction with the alliance, stating that both parties have united to combat divisive forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

Also read: BJP rebukes Kangana Ranaut for linking farmers' protests to Bangladesh unrest: 'Not the party's stand'

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"It is a matter of great happiness that we began this campaign to stand together against those trying to create divisions among people here. The whole country and INDIA alliance was formed to resist those forces aiming to communalise, divide, and break the country. Today, we have successfully completed negotiations in a very cordial atmosphere. Congress and the National Conference will contest the elections together," said former chief minister, Farooq Abdullah.

'BJP is trying to destroy the soul of J&K'

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal added, "The BJP is trying to destroy the soul of Jammu and Kashmir. Our INDIA alliance's primary goal is to protect the soul of Jammu and Kashmir. That's why Congress and National Conference are joining forces to establish a government in J&K that is truly in tune with the people of the region."

J&K polls scheduled to take place in three phases

The elections for Jammu and Kashmir's 90-member assembly are scheduled to take place in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. The results will be declared on October 4. As of now, 14 candidates have submitted their nomination papers for the first phase. The deadline for filing nominations for this phase is August 27.

(With inputs from agencies)