SRINAGAR, Sept 28: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Saturday, asserted that the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance has successfully thwarted the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) attempts to gain a foothold in the ongoing assembly elections. Speaking during an election rally in the Tangmarg area of Baramulla district, Abdullah expressed optimism that the alliance would continue its momentum into the final phase of polling.
“The NC-Congress alliance has effectively kept the BJP from forming a government in the first two voting phases. We remain hopeful that this trend will continue in the third and final phase as well,” Abdullah told reporters. He emphasized the significant turnout in favor of alliance candidates, particularly in South and Central Kashmir, underscoring the strong support the coalition has garnered across the region.
Abdullah predicted a similar surge in voter turnout for the third phase, where NC and Congress candidates are expected to secure widespread backing. “We anticipate a massive turnout in the third phase, where voters will support our candidates. In constituencies where Congress is fielding a candidate, I am confident that NC voters will align with them in the spirit of our alliance,” he said.
When asked about BJP leader Ravindra Raina’s recent comments on government formation, Abdullah responded dismissively, stating, “Let him first secure the Nowshera seat.” He further remarked that early reports indicate Chaudhary Surinder, the NC-Congress candidate, is gaining ground in Nowshera.
Omar Abdullah’s remarks highlight the ongoing battle between the NC-Congress coalition and the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir’s high-stakes assembly elections. As the third phase of polling approaches, Abdullah remains steadfast in his belief that the alliance will continue to block the BJP’s attempts at power, building on the success of the first two phases.