Omar Abdullah Accuses PDP of Mimicking NC Manifesto, Urges No Contest Against Alliance

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah accused the People's Democratic Party of copying their manifesto and called on PDP to not field candidates against the NC-Congress alliance in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections. The elections, the first post-abrogation of Article 370, are scheduled for September and October.

National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah has accused the People's Democratic Party (PDP) of replicating their election manifesto, urging the Mehbooba Mufti-led party to refrain from contesting against the NC-Congress alliance. Addressing a public rally in Ganderbal, Abdullah said, "They (PDP) should've created a unique manifesto. We spoke of 200 units of electricity, and they echoed it. We discussed one lakh jobs, and they repeated it. We mentioned reopening blocked roads and engaging in open dialogue, and those elements are present in their manifesto as well."

Abdullah called on the PDP to withdraw its candidates in favor of the NC-Congress coalition. His remarks followed Mehbooba Mufti's indication of a potential alliance, provided the Congress-NC alliance supports PDP's agenda. Omar Abdullah responded, "If our agenda aligns with theirs, there's no reason for the PDP to contest."

Previously, Mehbooba Mufti stated that the PDP would support the Congress-NC alliance if they accepted her party's agenda. Mufti criticized the BJP government's handling of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after the removal of Article 370, and emphasized the need for a clear agenda in any alliance.

The NC's manifesto focuses on restoring the region's political and legal status, promising to reinstate Article 370-35A and statehood before August 5, 2019. Additional pledges include providing free electricity up to 200 units, a comprehensive job package for youth, and encouraging Indo-Pak dialogue. Similarly, the PDP's manifesto, released after the NC's, emphasizes the same political restoration, diplomatic initiatives, and the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits.

The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, mark the first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370. Vote counting will occur on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)