Endings days of speculations amidst talks by various leaders that they would contest the Lok Sabha polls off the INDIA alliance banner, the Congress and National Conference on Monday announced contesting the Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh in alliance, with each fielding candidates in three seats.

At a joint press conference, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the Congress would contest in Udhampur, Jammu and Ladakh Lok Sabha seats while the National Conference would field candidates in Anantnag, Srinagar and Baramulla. Another major regional stakeholder Mehbooba Mufti led PDP which has been part of the grand opposition alliance is still to clear the air on contesting together after announcing last week to go solo in the General Elections similar to the ones stated by NC supremo on many occasions that his party would contest all seats on its own.  

"I want to formally announce that the National Conference and Congress will jointly contest the elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh with three candidates for each of the two parties," Abdullah said,

"The National Conference will support Congress candidates in Udhampur, Jammu and Ladakh seats. The INDIA bloc with contest the polls to help fulfil the aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh and truly represent them in Parliament," he said.

The seat-sharing agreement was finalised after consultations between the Congress and NC leaders. Member of the Congress seat sharing committee Salman Khurshid was also present during the joint press conference.

Asked whether PDP was still a part of the INDIA bloc, Khurshid said, "PDP is in our alliance. Seat adjustment is one part of the alliance and an overall alliance is a different issue. Since Jammu and Kashmir is small in area, there is not much scope for seat adjustment despite our best efforts."The PDP has named candidates for three seats in Kashmir, fielding Mehbooba Mufti against DPAP president Ghulam Nabi Azad in Anantnag. Khurshid said, "The National Conference already has three Lok Sabha MPs and we have decided to give them a chance."

Asked if Omar Abdullah will also contest the polls, the Congress leader said in that case one would have to convene another press conference in Srinagar as and when a decision is taken.