Farooq Abdullah Discusses Potential Post-Poll Alliance After J&K Elections

Farooq Abdullah, the 86-year-old leader of the National Conference (NC) and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has indicated a willingness to form a strategic post-poll alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining power after the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections. Abdullah stated, “Why not?” when asked about a potential alliance, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to improve the conditions of the state’s residents. He expressed confidence that the Congress party would also support this approach.

Despite his openness to alliance discussions, Abdullah made it clear that he would not be seeking the Chief Minister’s position if the alliance succeeds in the elections, saying, “I will not be the Chief Minister… let this be clear. I have done my job.” His focus, he noted, is on establishing a strong government.

Abdullah also mentioned that he would be open to seeking support from elected independent lawmakers, though he firmly stated that he would not “beg” for their assistance. Instead, he welcomed their support if they felt it would strengthen the state.

The National Conference and Congress are currently aligned under the INDIA bloc, while the PDP was invited to join but ultimately decided to contest the elections independently due to an unresolved seat-sharing agreement. With exit polls suggesting a potential hung Assembly, the PDP could play a crucial role in the formation of the next government in Jammu and Kashmir, which would be the first state election in a decade.

Poll predictions indicate that while the NC-Congress alliance may secure the most seats, it could fall short of the majority required. The PDP is projected to win a handful of seats, making it a key player in determining which coalition ultimately takes power. Zuhaib Yusuf Mir, a candidate from the PDP, remarked on the party’s willingness to collaborate with the NC and Congress to prevent the BJP from gaining control.

However, opinions within the PDP and NC regarding the alliance differ. Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, has dismissed any talk of an alliance before the election results are known as “unnecessary.” Similarly, Omar Abdullah, Farooq’s son and senior NC leader, urged against speculation, stating, “They haven’t extended support, they haven’t offered support, and we don’t know what the voters have decided yet.”

Both parties are expected to assess their positions only after the results are officially declared.