Srinagar, 10-01-2024 : The INDIA alliance, comprising various political parties, should accelerate their seat-sharing discussions for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, particularly in states where their electoral prospects are promising, according to National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah. While expressing disappointment over the delay in holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah emphasized the need for swift decision-making in states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Bihar, Punjab, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The National Conference has yet to initiate intra-party talks on its candidates for the polls scheduled for April-May.
Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of efficient seat-sharing negotiations in states with favorable conditions for the INDIA alliance, including the crucial regions of UP, WB, Maharashtra, Bihar, Punjab, Delhi, TN, and Kerala. The party, part of the alliance, has a total of six seats, including Ladakh, and Abdullah suggested that a decision in this regard would take minimal time. While addressing the media, he also commented on the delay in conducting assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, expressing disappointment and questioning the democratic values in the union territory.
Responding to queries about his potential candidacy, Abdullah stated that discussions on candidates within the National Conference had not commenced. He expressed his preference for his father, Farooq Abdullah, to contest the elections, adding that both of them would not go to Parliament simultaneously. Abdullah criticized the Election Commission for its handling of the electoral process in the region, especially the delay in conducting assembly elections, which required a directive from the Supreme Court.
Abdullah also commented on the recent social media posts by some Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, deeming them inappropriate. While acknowledging the sovereign right of Maldives to determine its international relationships, he emphasized that the use of derogatory language against the Indian prime minister and tourists from India was unacceptable. Abdullah highlighted the need for better relations with neighboring countries, echoing the sentiments of former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee that India can change its friends but not its neighbors. He called for maintaining strong and positive ties with neighboring nations.