PDP may not field candidates against NC: Omar

Srinagar, Apr 2: In a significant revelation, National Conference (NC) Vice President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah disclosed that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) might refrain from fielding candidates against the NC in the Kashmir Valley. He emphasized that both parties are integral members of the ‘INDIA’ alliance.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah highlighted the absence of any candidate announcements by the PDP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir. He noted that PDP President Mehbooba Mufti hasn’t indicated any intention to field candidates against the NC.
Abdullah referenced a recent rally at Ram Leela Maidan in Delhi, where Mehbooba Mufti reiterated the PDP’s commitment to the ‘INDIA’ alliance, sharing the stage with Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the NC leader. He urged the media not to foster discord between the two parties, cautioning against pitting them against each other.
Further, Abdullah criticized the emergence of alliances in Kashmir orchestrated by directives from Delhi, alleging that these alliances involve parties acting as proxies for the BJP, contesting with BJP backing.
On the contentious issue of Article 370, Abdullah reiterated his stance, denouncing the decision to abrogate it as a grave mistake that deprived the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their rights.
Addressing rampant corruption in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah accused the BJP’s ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams of attempting to seize power with the support of the BJP. He expressed confidence in the electorate’s ability to counter such actions through their votes.
Regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Abdullah condemned it as another instance of a Chief Minister falling victim to the BJP’s flawed policies. He warned against the BJP’s misuse of agencies, emphasizing its potential to undermine democratic institutions.