“We’ll Embrace PDP’s Support Even If Not Required,” Declares Farooq Abdullah Ahead of Vote Counting
Srinagar, 07-10-2024: Ahead of the counting of votes for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah extended an olive branch to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), indicating a willingness to collaborate regardless of whether the NC-Congress alliance requires their support. Abdullah emphasized the importance of unity, noting that even if the alliance manages to secure a majority, it would still seek PDP’s cooperation to address the challenges facing the Union Territory (UT).
Abdullah stated, “Even if we don’t need it, we will take the support (from PDP) because if we have to move forward, we must do so together. We all have to collectively make efforts to save this state, which is currently facing numerous difficulties. The educated youth are struggling with unemployment, inflation is soaring, and the issue of drug abuse is rampant.”
He expressed gratitude to PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti for her reported willingness to extend support to the NC. Abdullah remarked, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to her, and together, we will work to rebuild this state. Although I have not directly communicated with her, I have read about her gesture in the newspapers.”
Turning his attention to the current state of affairs, Abdullah criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), highlighting the deteriorating situation in the Jammu region. He stressed the need for collective action, stating, “If we are to save this state, we must come together and address the challenges it faces. We need to pull this Union Territory out of the storm it has been engulfed in over the last 8-10 years. I was in Jammu recently, and the state of affairs there brought tears to my eyes. The roads are in disrepair. Why was the G20 Summit held here in Srinagar and not in Jammu? Why did ambassadors visit here but not Jammu? Why did diplomats come here during the elections and not to Jammu?”
Abdullah also voiced hope for the restoration of statehood, expressing optimism that the region’s governance structure would soon return to its previous status with full powers granted to the government. He added, “I hope that statehood will be restored here very soon. The government will regain all its powers, and governance will resume in an honest manner.”
He further clarified that he had no personal ambition to become the Chief Minister, emphasizing his lack of concern for exit poll results. Various exit polls have projected a close contest, with some indicating a lead for the NC-Congress alliance.
TV-Today C-Voter’s projections suggest that the NC-Congress alliance could secure between 40-48 seats, while the BJP is expected to win 27-32 seats. The PDP, led by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, is projected to win 6-12 seats, with other parties potentially capturing 6-11 seats. Similarly, Dainik Bhaskar forecasts the NC-Congress alliance winning 35-40 seats, BJP securing 20-25, PDP 4-7, and other parties gaining 12-18 seats.
The People Pulse survey shows a stronger performance for the NC-Congress alliance, predicting 46-50 seats, while the BJP could secure 23-27. The PDP may win 7-11 seats, and others could take 4-6 seats.
In preparation for the vote count on October 8, authorities have heightened security measures across the UT, ensuring a smooth and secure process as results unfold.
