The National Conference (NC) and Congress have formed an alliance for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, aiming to strengthen their electoral prospects and dismissing any speculation of a post-poll alliance with the BJP. BJP leaders have called on Congress to clarify its stance on the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked J&K's special status. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated the party's commitment to restoring statehood to J&K, criticizing the BJP for failing to fulfill its promises to the region. Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge held discussions with NC leaders Farooq and Omar Abdullah to finalize the alliance, which covers all 90 seats. The elections will be held in three phases starting September 18, with vote counting on October 4.