NC Open to Post-Poll Alliance with PDP to Keep BJP Out of Power in J&K: Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar: The National Conference (NC) is open to a post-poll alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining power after the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election, former Chief Minister and NC leader Farooq Abdullah said on Monday.

When asked about the possibility of an alliance, Abdullah said, “Why not? If we all work towards improving the condition of the people… we can be rivals in elections, but I have no objections. I am sure Congress will not either.”

Abdullah, 86, made it clear he would not seek the Chief Minister’s post, stating, “I will not be the Chief Minister. My focus is on building a strong government.”

While he expressed openness to gaining support from independent MLAs, he emphasised he would not beg for their backing. “If they feel they can strengthen the state, then they are welcome.”

The NC and Congress are currently allied under the INDIA bloc, but the PDP chose to contest independently after failing to reach a seat-sharing agreement with the alliance.

Exit polls ahead of Tuesday’s vote count predict a hung Assembly, positioning the PDP as a potential ‘kingmaker’ with a projected win of between four and 12 seats. The NC-Congress alliance is expected to win the most seats but may fall short of the majority in the 90-member House, where 46 seats are needed for control.

Zuhaib Yusuf Mir, the PDP’s candidate for Srinagar’s Lal Chowk seat, indicated his party’s willingness to join forces with the NC and Congress to prevent the BJP from forming the government.

“PDP will play a crucial role in forming a secular government. We are ready to take any step to safeguard Kashmir’s identity,” Mir said.

However, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, dismissed any alliance talks before results are announced.

“Unnecessary speculations. Let me put the record straight. PDP’s senior leadership will take a call on extending support to a secular front only once the results are out. This is our official stand,” Iltija posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah’s son and senior NC leader, also urged people to avoid premature speculation.