Omar Abdullah Laments NC Contesting Against ‘Greedy’ Friend in Anantnag-Rajouri Seat

Pulwama (J-K), Apr 20 : Omar Abdullah, the Vice President of the National Conference (NC), expressed his disappointment on Saturday over his party’s contesting in the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency against a former ally who he accused of being driven by ambition for a Lok Sabha seat. Abdullah’s remarks appeared to target PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who is contesting from the said constituency in south Kashmir, while the NC has nominated its senior leader Mian Altaf. “The contest in the south Kashmir seat is not with the BJP. Unfortunately, we are up against a former ally who recently deserted us in pursuit of personal gain. Our battle in south Kashmir is not against the BJP or its affiliates,” Abdullah remarked. Speaking to reporters after an election rally supporting NC’s candidate Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi for the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Abdullah highlighted the fractured alliance between NC and PDP within the opposition’s INDIA bloc, formed post the abrogation of Article 370. The alliance fractured after NC decided to contest from all three constituencies in the Kashmir valley, leaving no room for PDP candidates. The PDP subsequently announced its own candidates for all three seats. Abdullah noted that although the BJP isn’t directly contesting in the parliamentary polls in the valley, it supports parties like the Apni Party and People’s Conference (PC). “The BJP is actively involved in the election, albeit through surrogate parties like the Apni Party and PC, contesting under different symbols. However, their chances of success are slim,” he added. Reflecting on the public response, Abdullah expressed hope that the NC would secure victory in all three seats. Regarding BJP’s claim of the NDA crossing the 400-mark, Abdullah suggested waiting for the results for clarity. He also indicated the perceived loss of BJP’s grip over the Ladakh seat. Responding to BJP’s Ravindra Raina’s assertion of victory in both Jammu seats, Abdullah urged caution, citing the pending elections in the Jammu constituency and the uncertain outcome for the Udhampur seat. Accusing the BJP of dodging contests in the valley, Abdullah questioned their motives and alleged that parties like Apni Party and PC were essentially working in favor of the BJP’s interests.