Alliance for Progress: NC and Congress Team Up in Jammu and Kashmir

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah emphasized that the alliance with Congress is vital for the development and restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir. He praised Rahul Gandhi's visit to the region and rejected claims labeling mainstream leaders as Pakistanis or Khalistanis. Abdullah highlighted the pressing need for unity and progress.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday asserted that his party's alliance with the Congress is not a mere compulsion but a crucial step for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the restoration of its statehood.

Abdullah, a former chief minister, also praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Union territory, describing it as a significant rebuke to those who label mainstream leaders of Jammu and Kashmir as Pakistanis or Khalistanis.

''It is not a compulsion. It is the need of the hour. We want to take everyone along for the development of Jammu and Kashmir,'' Abdullah told reporters while en route to an election rally to be addressed by Rahul Gandhi in south Kashmir.

Responding to whether forming an alliance with Congress was a compulsion for his party, Abdullah insisted, ''He (Rahul) is a big voice for our nation. It is a repudiation of those who accused us of being Pakistanis or Khalistanis. I hope people of the country understand that we want the state (Jammu and Kashmir) to come out of this difficult period and develop. I have seen for the first time that a state has been downgraded to a union territory. This has to change and full statehood has to be restored ... that is what we are trying,'' he added.

Abdullah also stated that the National Conference has not suffered the loss of leaders seen in other parties ahead of the assembly polls, as people now recognize his party's potential for positive change.

He declined to comment on statements made by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti against the National Conference, stating, ''she keeps on saying different things''.

(With inputs from agencies.)