SRINAGAR: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday announced that he will participate in the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Farooq Abdullah said that he will contest the assembly polls. He added that once statehood is restored, he will step down, allowing his son Omar Abdullah to contest from the seat.
He emphasised that statehood has been promised by the central government, and all parties are seeking its complete restoration at the earliest.
Reacting to the poll schedule, Abdullah mentioned that it is favourable, as it will reveal the readiness of parties for the elections.
He further noted that any decision regarding a pre-poll alliance will be made by the party after thorough deliberations.
The Election Commission of India announced on Friday a three-phase election schedule, which had been long overdue in Jammu and Kashmir. The first phase will be held on September 18, the second on September 25, and the third phase on October 1.
Results will be announced on October 4, alongside the Haryana assembly results, with Haryana going to polls on October 1—(KNO).