National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah called on INDIA bloc partners to expedite seat-sharing discussions for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, particularly in states with strong prospects for the alliance. He identified states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab as crucial battlegrounds where swift decision-making is needed.
Abdullah, speaking to reporters in Srinagar, clarified that seat-sharing talks for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh haven’t yet begun. He emphasized the potential for quick resolution in these regions, saying, “We have a total of six seats including Ladakh and I do not think it will take us more than 15 minutes to take a decision on that.”
While intra-party candidate selection within the National Conference hasn’t commenced, Abdullah acknowledged the possibility of his own participation. He stated, “I have not had the opportunity to discuss this… Once the process of discussion starts, we will see who are the best candidates that can be fielded.” He also expressed his priority for his father, Farooq Abdullah, to contest the elections, adding, “We will not have a situation wherein both Farooq and me will go to Parliament at the same time.”
Abdullah expressed disappointment over the absence of assembly elections in the union territory, questioning the delay and calling it “unfortunate” and “sad.” He criticized the Election Commission for inaction and praised the Supreme Court for its intervention in directing the resumption of assembly polls.
