Can’t leave Anantnag for PDP: Omar
Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Mar 8: National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah today said that he would never have joined the Congress-led opposition alliance INDIA bloc if he had known that he would have to weaken his own party for another member, referring to Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party.
He made these remarks during a press conference at the party headquarters. Abdullah emphasised that his party would not agree to a seat-share deal with the PPD for South Kashmir’s Anantnag seat. He criticised the notion of offering seats to a party that ranked third in the last Parliamentary elections while sidelining the top two parties, particularly in a seat where the BJP has minimal influence. “The party that is number 3 has no right to ask for a seat. If I had been told, before joining INDIA, we would have to weaken ourselves for another member, I would have never joined.”
Omar attributed this decision to the PDP’s performance in the 2019 polls. The Anantnag seat is currently represented by NC’s Hasnain Masoodi in the Lok Sabha.
Abdullah further elaborated on the challenges of coalition politics, emphasising the responsibility of all parties to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. He pointed out the attacks on the NC by coalition partner, the PDP, during speeches, tweets, and social media interactions, questioning the nature of such alliances. Click here to watch video
He stressed the need for a correction in attitude from those targeting the NC.
Abdullah also highlighted the emotional attachment of people to Article 370, accusing the BJP of exploiting these sentiments.
He said that they have asked Congress to nominate candidates for Jammu, Udhampur, and Ladakh-Leh-Kargil parliamentary seats. “We have asked them to field their candidate at these places and we would not contest,” he said. He, however, emphasised the importance of consensus in selecting a leader capable of unseating the BJP. “We should all rally behind a leader who can effectively challenge the BJP’s hold.” Click here to watch video
Regarding the Anantnag seat, he acknowledged his party’s claim but expressed willingness to accommodate Congress if senior leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul, or Priyanka Gandhi wished to contest, saying, “If Sonia, Rahul, or Priyanka were to express interest, we would have no objections, despite the seat being a winning one for us.”
Regarding voter concerns, Abdullah emphasised the importance of addressing tangible issues such as agriculture distress and employment rather than mere slogans. He revealed that the party is currently discussing potential candidates and their suitability for each seat.
Responding to Abdullah’s statements, Mehbooba Mufti blamed him for breaking the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), expressing disappointment over the decision. She stressed the importance of unity and expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the Congress. Mufti highlighted the pressing issues facing Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the need for consultation and unity among regional parties.
“We wanted to maintain the PAGD, but they broke it. We will talk with Congress and see what happens. But they did not even think and took the decision themselves, which is very sad. We did not break the PAGD. PAGD was the last hope for the people. More than the alliance, unity is important for me. If Farooq Sahab had called a meeting and consulted us that we wanted to fight all three seats, we would have sacrificed all the seats,” she said.
Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah welcomed prominent political leader and former MLA Baramulla Javaid Hassan Beigh into the party fold.
Welcoming Beigh, Omar said that his wide ranging experience in public life and social service will help the party to further strengthen its base.
On the occasion, Beigh vowed to strengthen the National Conference.
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