NC-Congress Govt’s Priority: Reducing Regional Differences and Boosting Confidence in Jammu, Says Farooq Abdullah
New Coalition Government to Focus on Uniting Jammu and Kashmir, Assuring Equal Treatment for All Communities
SRINAGAR, Oct 9: National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah articulated the primary objective of the prospective NC-Congress coalition government, emphasizing its commitment to bridging the divide between the Jammu and Kashmir regions of the Union Territory. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Abdullah highlighted the importance of building trust and confidence among the Hindu population in Jammu, asserting that the government’s policies would be inclusive and unbiased.
“We must strive to reduce the divisions that have been created between Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah stated. “Our approach will be to ensure that the Hindu communities in Jammu feel assured that their interests will be considered with the same seriousness as those in Kashmir.” He stressed that the government would not discriminate based on voting patterns, underscoring its duty to address the concerns and problems of all communities, irrespective of their political leanings or voting behavior.
Abdullah further acknowledged the numerous challenges the new administration would face, with inflation and unemployment topping the list. “The most pressing issues are rising prices and joblessness. It is imperative that we generate employment opportunities for our youth,” he remarked. He outlined the need for comprehensive economic strategies aimed at mitigating inflation and enhancing job prospects in order to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people across the Union Territory.
Regarding the leadership of the new coalition government, Abdullah asserted his authority, making it clear that the decision on the chief minister’s position would ultimately rest with him. Responding to comments made by his son, Omar Abdullah, who had previously suggested that the alliance partners would collectively decide the chief minister, Farooq Abdullah was unequivocal: “What I have decided, only that will happen.”
Confirming his earlier announcement, Abdullah reiterated that his son, Omar Abdullah, would be the chief minister in the upcoming government. This declaration underscores his influence within the party and highlights the NC’s intention to maintain a cohesive and unified leadership approach as they work towards addressing the region’s socio-political challenges.
