Omar Abdullah Defends NC's Decision to Contest J-K Elections, Aims to Minimize BJP Wins

Omar Abdullah of the National Conference defends contesting the Jammu and Kashmir elections, aiming to present a united front against the BJP. He denies compromising principles and criticizes detractors for similar actions. The ECI issued the second phase notification; elections begin September 18.

National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday defended the decision to contest the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, aiming to minimize BJP seats by presenting a united front. Addressing journalists, he emphasized the need for an alliance, particularly in regions like Pir Panchal and Chenab. 'Our efforts are meant to have a united front against the BJP and make sure that they win as few seats as possible,' he stated.

Responding to allegations of compromising principles for power, Omar Abdullah asserted that the NC has maintained its core values. 'We have not sacrificed any principles. The fight we are going to fight, the Assembly has its own role. What do I tell the people? That they should vote in the assembly and elect their leaders? But I don't believe in this Assembly,' he said.

Omar also criticized those who accused him of compromising, noting their own relatives are also contesting. 'The people who are putting these allegations on me, they themselves have their relatives standing for the elections. If they are so strict on their principles, then they should have been completely out of this. What is the use of being out yourself while fielding your relatives as candidates?' he remarked.

The polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases: September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4. This election marks the first assembly poll since the abrogation of Article 370. According to the Election Commission of India's recent notification, the second phase of elections will cover 26 assembly constituencies, with nominations due by September 5, and scrutiny on September 6. The final date for candidate withdrawal is September 9.

In the 2014 Assembly election, the PDP secured 28 seats, BJP 25, NC 15, and Congress 12, leading to a PDP-BJP coalition. However, the coalition fell apart in 2018 after BJP withdrew its support. In the latest Lok Sabha elections, the BJP demonstrated robust support by winning both Jammu seats, while the NC secured two seats. The votes will be counted on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)