The National Conference (NC) is gearing up for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, party Vice President Omar Abdullah said on Friday.
He said that any decision regarding a pre-poll alliance would be made by party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
Speaking to the media after the two-day Working Group (WG) meeting, Omar Abdullah said it “primarily focused on preparations for the assembly polls, along with discussions on other issues.”
When asked about forming a pre-poll alliance with INDIA bloc partners, he replied, “The decision will be taken by (NC President) Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib. The Working Group has authorised him to make this decision.”
He was also optimistic of the elections being held on time, referencing the Supreme Court's directive for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct assembly polls in J&K by September 30.
There had been assurances from the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister on conducting the polls as scheduled, he added.
“ECI has started the election process. If the Prime Minister did not mention J&K assembly polls in a recent speech, it doesn’t imply the elections won't be held,” he said.
Abdullah also criticised the BJP’s conduct in Parliament, suggesting they behave as if they have won 400 seats instead of 240.
Pointing out to the expunging of parts of speeches by NC MP Aga Ruhullah and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, he said that in a
democracy everyone should have the right to speak as long as they do not use inappropriate language.
The WG meeting included Abdullah, general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, senior leader Abdul Rahim Rather, provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani, and other key members.
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