Srinagar, 06-09-2024: Omar Abdullah, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of the National Conference (NC), recently highlighted the significance of the NC-Congress alliance for the upcoming assembly polls in the region. He acknowledged that his party has had to make compromises, surrendering key seats in favor of Congress, as part of the seat-sharing arrangement. He stressed that the alliance was too important to risk over a few seats and that forging unity was crucial for a successful outcome in the elections.
In a detailed interview, Abdullah explained that while NC was initially prepared to contest all seats independently, they agreed to the alliance in the interest of the broader political landscape. He drew parallels with other states, referencing Madhya Pradesh, where disagreements over a few seats had derailed similar alliances.
Taking aim at the BJP’s approach to the Kashmir issue, Abdullah criticized the narrative suggesting that Article 370 was only a concern for Kashmiris and not the people of Jammu. He pointed out that, contrary to BJP’s portrayal, their support in Jammu has actually shrunk over the past few elections. If the removal of Article 370 had been universally welcomed in Jammu, he argued, BJP’s margins should have increased significantly, but instead, they had decreased in the 2024 polls compared to previous years.
Abdullah also raised concerns over the economic impact of the government’s decision to discontinue the Darbar move, a 149-year-old tradition where government offices shifted between Srinagar and Jammu biannually. According to him, this decision had a severe economic impact on Jammu, as the influx of government employees had previously provided a significant economic boost to the region. He argued that tourism alone does not benefit Jammu enough, as pilgrims heading to Vaishno Devi largely bypass the city, and proposed reversing the decision if the alliance comes to power.
Furthermore, Abdullah expressed the need for stronger domicile laws in Jammu and Kashmir, criticizing the existing framework, which he claims is weaker than in neighboring states like Himachal Pradesh. He voiced concerns about land and resources being allocated to non-residents, stressing that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should have the first claim over their own land and water.
When asked about who would lead the government if the NC-Congress alliance wins, Abdullah refrained from speculating, acknowledging his past mistakes in making premature predictions. He emphasized his focus on securing as many seats as possible, rather than committing to specific numbers.
As the polls approach, Abdullah has made it clear that his campaign will focus on local issues, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to address broader national concerns. While the NC-Congress alliance will contest the assembly polls together, with NC contesting 51 of the 90 seats and Congress 32, a few seats have been left for smaller parties, and some constituencies may see friendly contests between NC and Congress candidates. Polling will take place in three phases, with votes being counted in early October.
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