Tension Rises: Lone and Abdullah Clash Ahead of J&K Assembly Elections

People's Conference President, Sajjad Lone, fires back at critics calling him a 'poster boy' for the BJP, urging voters to focus on development. National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah accuses BJP of planning potential alliances for upcoming J&K elections.

In a heated exchange on Thursday, People's Conference President Sajjad Lone retaliated against critics who labeled him a 'poster boy' for the BJP, urging voters to prioritize development in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Lone emphasized that voters had previously rejected him based on false claims and should now focus on progress.

The conflict intensified earlier as National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah suggested that the BJP was leaving the door open for potential post-poll alliances with parties like the People's Conference and Apni Party. Speaking in Shalbugh, Ganderbal, Abdullah pointed out that Home Minister Amit Shah, in a recent Jammu press conference, did not rule out collaborations with several local parties, hinting at possible future coalitions.

Further stirring the political pot, Abdullah accused the BJP of preparing to form a government with independent candidates if necessary. Concurrently, Lone accused Abdullah of being a previous 'poster boy' for the BJP, citing his tenure as MoS in the External Affairs Ministry and his defense of controversial actions. As the 2024 Assembly elections approach, tensions are set to rise with local elections scheduled in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)