nc-will-form-the-next-government-in-j-k-farooq

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has announced he will contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, expressing hope that the Election Commission will come up with the poll dates by the end of this month.

 

The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, however, did not reveal much about the constituency he intended to contest from.

 

Speaking to reporters in the Doda district, Abdullah stated, “He (his son Omar Abdullah) does not want to fight the elections under the present setup. 

 

“He has made up his mind that he will not fight the elections till the restoration of statehood (of Jammu and Kashmir). However, I am going to fight the elections as I am not dead.”

 

When asked about the constituency he would fight from, Abdullah quipped, “Why should I tell you in advance? A general does not reveal his strategy and I am also a general and prepared to fight.”

 

Abdullah asserted that the National Conference would form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir on its own, saying, “We do not need support from anyone except Allah.”

 

Regarding the recent visit of the Election Commission to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah mentioned, “Reports suggest that the elections will be announced between August 21 and 25. We are prepared for the polls.”

 

Addressing issues of unemployment and inflation, he said these were the biggest problems facing not only Jammu and Kashmir but the entire country.

 

When questioned about a statement that hell awaited Muslims affiliated with the BJP, despite the NC being part of the NDA Government from 1998 to 2002, Abdullah clarified, “We have not aligned with the BJP and have not brought them here. That was a separate thing.

 

 “As the upcoming elections draw near, it is crucial to make wise decisions to combat sectarian forces and uphold the principles of democracy. Unity is our strength, and it is imperative to stand together against those who seek to divide us.”

 

Abdullah also commented on the country’s current political climate, stating, “The country is passing through a bad phase due to politics of polarisation and hatred. 

 

“Muslims should not be disheartened as this phase is bound to end soon. Muslims should be proud of being citizens of independent India.”

 

Abdullah criticised the "forced" delimitation of constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging it was done to create divisions among people. 

 

He stated, “When I was the Chief Minister in 2000, I had passed an order to ensure that the delimitation takes place along with the rest of the country in 2026. I was not aware at that time that they would come and use the exercise to divide us.

 

“Had they been sincere, they would have announced a separate Lok Sabha seat for Rajouri-Poonch and also the Chenab Valley,” he added.