Srinagar, Oct. 23 -- The Congress and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday announced their support for the National Conference (NC) in Friday's Rajya Sabha elections, describing the move as a strategic effort to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining a seat.

Addressing a press briefing, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Hameed Karra said the decision was taken after detailed consultations with the party's central leadership and internal deliberations. "We have set aside differences with the NC to uphold the larger values we represent and to counter the BJP," he said. All six Congress legislators have been issued a formal whip to vote for NC candidates.

"We have taken this stand after considering the sen...