Omar Abdullah Announces Strategic Alliance with Congress: Unified Front Against BJP to Shape Jammu & Kashmir’s Future
National Conference and Congress Unite: Farooq and Omar Abdullah Promise Consolidated Push to Challenge BJP in Jammu & Kashmir
SRINAGAR, Aug 27: On Tuesday, National Conference (NC) leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah emphasized that their recent seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress is strategically aimed at creating a unified front against the BJP. This coalition move is designed to form a government focused on addressing the pressing issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Following the agreement between the National Conference and the Congress to contest 51 and 32 seats respectively in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Farooq Abdullah remarked on the necessity of mutual accommodation within a coalition. In Awantipora, Pulwama district, Abdullah underscored that coalition politics often requires compromise. He expressed confidence that the coalition’s decision was prudent and optimistic about its success. “In a coalition, one must be willing to make concessions to achieve greater gains,” Abdullah noted. “We believe the final decision was wise and with God’s will, the coalition will succeed in forming a government capable of addressing the people’s problems.”
Omar Abdullah, speaking in Bijbehara, Anantnag district, outlined that the seat-sharing agreement with the Congress aims to consolidate efforts against the BJP and its allies. “The objective of this arrangement is to present a unified front against the BJP and its supporting parties,” Omar said. “We believe this strategy will enhance our chances of success in the elections.”
Acknowledging the disappointment among some party members who were not given a mandate due to the seat-sharing deal, Omar expressed regret. He assured that these individuals, who have dedicated significant effort to the party over the years, would be recognized and given opportunities in the future. “We understand that some loyal members who have worked hard over the years are not included in this arrangement,” Omar admitted. “We regret this and hope to compensate them in the future, ensuring they have the chance to contribute to both the organization and the public.”
Omar also noted a personal satisfaction at the reuniting of Bashir Ahmad Veeri and his brother, highlighting the positive impact of political resolutions on personal relationships. “While political families can face internal challenges, I am pleased to see Bashir Veeri and his brother together again. Family harmony is important, and I am glad to see them reconciled,” Omar commented.
The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, are scheduled to be held in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting set for October 4. The NC and Congress coalition aims to leverage this strategic partnership to secure a successful outcome and effectively address the state’s challenges.
