SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Omar Abdullah has expressed openness to engaging in discussions with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti, if a communication channel opens from their side. However, Abdullah clarified that no formal communication has been established between the two parties following the recent election results.
“At the moment, we are not in talks with the PDP. No approach has been made to us by them, and we have not made any approach either,” Omar Abdullah told media on Tuesday. “Given the electoral setback that the PDP has faced, I understand they must be undergoing internal discussions. If a channel of communication opens, we will sit down and talk, but it is not a priority for us right now.”
The JKNC-led alliance, consisting of the National Conference and Congress, emerged victorious in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, securing 49 seats in the 90-member house. The alliance’s victory, marking the first Assembly election since the abrogation of Article 370, has triggered discussions regarding the potential nomination of five MLAs by the Lt Governor (L-G) as outlined in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, which was further revised in July 2023.
Abdullah has voiced concerns over the possibility of the L-G nominating these members without consultation with the newly elected government. “I would advise against the nomination of these MLAs, especially from the BJP. Nominating five members won’t change the government, so what is the point? It would only create unnecessary opposition,” Abdullah said, adding, “Nominating these MLAs without keeping the elected government on board would create tensions between the Centre and the local government from the outset, which is something we wish to avoid.”
The Reorganisation Act allows for the nomination of two women if the LG deems female representation inadequate in the Assembly. Additionally, an amendment passed in 2023 allows the nomination of three further members: two from the Kashmiri migrant community and one representing displaced persons from parts of Jammu and Kashmir that is on the others side of the LoC. Should these nominations occur, the Assembly’s strength would rise to 95 members, with the majority mark increasing to 48 seats. However, Abdullah asserted that the nominations would not impact the existing power dynamics, as the NC-Congress alliance already holds a majority.
Abdullah also indicated that, should the LG proceed with the nominations without government consultation, the NC would consider approaching the Supreme Court to challenge the move. “There would be a fight. We would have to appeal to the Supreme Court, which would cause tensions with the Centre from day one. We want to build a strong relationship with the Centre, and I hope this issue does not stand in the way,” he stated. Abdullah further highlighted that independent candidates had expressed interest in joining the alliance, which would further bolster their numbers.
On a broader front, Omar Abdullah reiterated the NC’s long-standing demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would fulfil the government’s promise to return full statehood to the region, a matter that has been repeatedly raised in Parliament and the Supreme Court. “We expect the honourable Prime Minister to do the honourable thing and restore statehood at the earliest. This is key to moving forward with our broader plans for development, peace, and governance,” Abdullah told reporters, noting that this was a major point in the NC’s election manifesto.
As the process of forming the new government begins, Omar Abdullah has called for a collaborative relationship with the Central Government. “The new government cannot afford to have an antagonistic relationship with the Centre. Once we are in place, the chief minister, whoever that may be, must establish a good working relationship with the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and other leaders to ensure the development and peace that Jammu and Kashmir desperately needs,” he emphasised.
The NC legislative party is expected to meet within the coming days to elect its leader, followed by an alliance meeting to determine the leader of the coalition government. Although NC President Farooq Abdullah has endorsed his son Omar as the next Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has indicated that the final decision rests with the alliance. “I am grateful for the faith my father has shown in me, but this is a decision for the NC legislature party and our allies. Once we have all the letters of support, we will stake our claim to form the government.”
In the aftermath of the elections, Abdullah reflected on the performance of the National Conference, admitting that the scale of the victory exceeded his expectations. “I had hoped we would perform well, but these numbers are beyond what I expected. The faith that people have shown in us is humbling, but it is also a huge responsibility. Now, we must live up to that faith and deliver on our promises,” he said.
Omar Abdullah, who won the Ganderbal seat with a margin of over 10,000 votes, as well as Budgam by a margin of over 18,000 votes, thanked the voters for their trust and reiterated his commitment to serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The INDIA bloc, to which the NC is a key member, will soon meet to formalise its claim to form the government. Abdullah, however, made it clear that he would not automatically stake a claim to the chief ministership, leaving that decision to the elected members of the alliance.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to congratulate the NC on its electoral success. In response, Omar Abdullah expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship with the Central Government, “in the true spirit of federalism,” ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir benefit from continued development and good governance.
As the dust settles on the election results, Abdullah’s leadership, and the coalition government’s priorities, including the restoration of statehood and fostering cooperative ties with the Centre, are expected to shape the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming months.
