National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Friday addressed the complexities and strategic considerations behind the party’s pre-poll alliance with the Congress for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Speaking at the NC headquarters in Nawa-i-Subah, Abdullah acknowledged that the decision to forge an alliance with the Congress involved significant sacrifices, particularly in terms of relinquishing several seats where the NC had a strong chance of winning.
“This is not only our fight but of the whole Jammu and Kashmir. If we have to undo the wrongs done to us, it will not only benefit us, but every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. We are fighting this battle collectively for Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah emphasised, as per news agency PTI.
“That is why we joined hands with the Congress, even as it was not an easy decision for us, (because) we had to sacrifice those seats where we knew only the NC can give a tough fight,” he remarked.
Omar explained that the alliance was crucial to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), noting that in many constituencies, particularly in the low-lying areas of Jammu, Poonch, and Rajouri, the combined efforts of the NC and Congress would be more effective.
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Omar pointed out the early impact of the alliance, highlighting former Congress leader and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad’s recent decision to refrain from campaigning for his party. “The first impact (of the alliance) was that Azad will not campaign and has asked his party candidates to decide whether to contest or not,” Abdullah stated.
Earlier this week, Ghulam Azad cited health issues as the reason for his inability to campaign, stating, “The unforeseen circumstances have forced me to step back from the campaign trail… The candidates should assess whether they can continue without my presence. If they feel my absence would impact their chances, they have the freedom to withdraw their candidacy.”
In his address, Omar also reaffirmed the NC’s commitment to revoke the Public Safety Act (PSA) if the party comes to power. He criticised the act for its misuse and pledged, “We have witnessed many problems – PSA has been used blindly. We have promised in our manifesto that if the NC forms the government, we will revoke the PSA from Jammu and Kashmir so that there is no scope for its misuse.” He also committed to halting the arrest of youths under the act.
