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In a development that may have a major impact on the post-election scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, fifteen independent candidates have joined hands to form the Democratic People's Forum.
The forum is led by Mohiuddin Sofi, who is contesting from the Handwara assembly constituency.
Sofi told rediff.com in Srinagar that the basic aim of the forum is to prevent horse-trading after the elections.
'It is a foregone conclusion that the elections would produce a hung assembly. We want to prevent the ruling National Conference from using unethical means to woo independents in its bid to retain power', Sofi told rediff.com.
"Under no circumstances would we have any truck with the National Conference as it would amount to betrayal of the trust of the people. Any government minus the ruling party could get our support," he said.
The forum would consider extending issue-based support should either the Congress or the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party try to form the government, Sofi said.
Advocate Abdul Rashid Mirchal has been named secretary and advocate Abdul Haq has been designated spokesperson of the newly formed outfit.
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