National Conference (NC) leader and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah expressed openness to a post-poll alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. His goal: to block the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from coming to power.
When asked about a potential alliance, Abdullah said, “Why not?” He explained that, despite being election rivals, there is no objection to working together for the welfare of the people. “If we all work for the same thing… for improvement in the condition of the people of the state, we can be rivals in elections but I have no objections. I am sure Congress will not either,” he added.
However, Abdullah, 86, ruled out taking the Chief Minister’s position if his alliance wins. “I will not be the Chief Minister… let this be clear. I have done my job. My concern is how we can make a strong government,” he said.
He also mentioned being open to support from independent lawmakers, though he clarified, “I will not beg before them. If they feel they can strengthen the state, they are welcome.”
The NC is currently allied with Congress under the INDIA bloc, while the PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, chose to contest independently after a seat-sharing deal couldn’t be finalized. Exit polls predict a hung assembly, with the NC-Congress alliance leading but potentially falling short of the 46-seat majority in the 90-member House. The PDP, expected to win between four and 12 seats, could become a key player in forming the next government.
Zuhaib Yusuf Mir, the PDP candidate from Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, echoed the possibility of joining forces with the NC and Congress to keep the BJP out. “PDP will have an important role in forming any secular government… we are ready to take any step to save the identity of Kashmir,” he said.
However, not everyone in the NC and PDP camps agrees. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija, called the alliance talk “unnecessary” before results are declared. Omar Abdullah, Farooq’s son and senior NC leader, also urged for calm, asking to “put a lid on all this premature speculation.”
Mufti clarified on X that senior PDP leadership will decide on any “secular front” alliance once results are out. “This is our official stand,” she stated. Omar Abdullah also emphasized waiting for the final voter decision before any alliance talks continue.
National Conference (NC) leader and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah expressed openness to a post-poll alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. His goal: to block the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from coming to power.
When asked about a potential alliance, Abdullah said, “Why not?” He explained that, despite being election rivals, there is no objection to working together for the welfare of the people. “If we all work for the same thing… for improvement in the condition of the people of the state, we can be rivals in elections but I have no objections. I am sure Congress will not either,” he added.
However, Abdullah, 86, ruled out taking the Chief Minister’s position if his alliance wins. “I will not be the Chief Minister… let this be clear. I have done my job. My concern is how we can make a strong government,” he said.
He also mentioned being open to support from independent lawmakers, though he clarified, “I will not beg before them. If they feel they can strengthen the state, they are welcome.”
The NC is currently allied with Congress under the INDIA bloc, while the PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, chose to contest independently after a seat-sharing deal couldn’t be finalized. Exit polls predict a hung assembly, with the NC-Congress alliance leading but potentially falling short of the 46-seat majority in the 90-member House. The PDP, expected to win between four and 12 seats, could become a key player in forming the next government.
Zuhaib Yusuf Mir, the PDP candidate from Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, echoed the possibility of joining forces with the NC and Congress to keep the BJP out. “PDP will have an important role in forming any secular government… we are ready to take any step to save the identity of Kashmir,” he said.
However, not everyone in the NC and PDP camps agrees. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija, called the alliance talk “unnecessary” before results are declared. Omar Abdullah, Farooq’s son and senior NC leader, also urged for calm, asking to “put a lid on all this premature speculation.”
Mufti clarified on X that senior PDP leadership will decide on any “secular front” alliance once results are out. “This is our official stand,” she stated. Omar Abdullah also emphasized waiting for the final voter decision before any alliance talks continue.
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