Farooq Abdullah Optimistic About Congress-NC Alliance in J-K Assembly Polls

Former J-K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah expressed confidence in the Congress-National Conference alliance's success in the upcoming assembly elections. The two parties aim to restore Articles 370 and 35A, improve India-Pakistan relations, and ensure the return of Kashmiri Pandits. Voting will be held in three phases with results announced on October 4.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday expressed confidence that the Congress-National Conference alliance will succeed in the upcoming assembly polls. When asked if the party, if elected, would push the Centre to resume talks with Pakistan, Abdullah replied, "Sab manifesto mein hai..." (everything is in the manifesto).

"This time, people are in a very good mood. The National Conference and Congress will perform very well, and we will achieve success," he said. The alliance's election manifesto promises efforts to restore Articles 370 and 35A, diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan, and the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley.

Tariq Hameed Karra, President of the JKPCC, emphasized that the unity is driven by a shared motive to alleviate people's suffering. "It is visible how tense the BJP is with this unity (INDIA alliance)," Karra stated.

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah said the aim is to present a united front against the BJP. "Today is the last day to file nominations for the first phase. We have given our manifesto and roadmap. We've decided on a seat-sharing agreement with Congress. We aim to fight against the BJP as a consolidated front to increase our chances of success. We regret that some people who wanted to contest were left out," he noted.

Under the seat-sharing pact, the National Conference will contest 51 of 90 seats, and Congress 32. The two parties will also have a "friendly contest" on five seats, leaving one seat each for CPI(M) and Panthers Party.

The National Conference has announced a list of 18 candidates, and Congress has released its first list of nine candidates. Polling will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4.

Voting will occur in 90 assembly constituencies, and according to the Election Commission, the Union Territory has 88.06 lakh electors. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)