National Conference rules out joining NDA

The National Conference (NC) on Sunday affirmed that it will not align with the BJP, calling itself the “bulwark” against the party in Jammu and Kashmir. The clarification came in response to reports suggesting a possible alliance between the two parties.

Recently, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited New Delhi, where he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, sparking speculation about a potential political realignment. However, NC leaders strongly denied such claims, emphasising that their election campaign in the recent Assembly elections was centred on opposing the BJP and its policies.

NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, who is also an MLA, dismissed the reports as a “blatant lie” aimed at misleading the people of J&K. Speaking to The Tribune, party spokesperson Ifrah Jan also rejected the notion of an alliance, stating, “We are the only ones who are the bulwark against BJP in J&K. The only party the BJP desperately wanted to defeat in the elections was NC. The party has continuously attacked NC through its leaders, including Amit Shah and the Prime Minister.”

Jan further explained that the BJP’s opposition to NC stems from the party’s stance on issues critical to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the restoration of statehood.

She said, “We are the only party fighting for the restoration of statehood. If they were truly committed to it, they would have restored statehood already.” “The people entrusted us with the responsibility to undo the policies imposed by the BJP . We are fulfilling our mandate, standing with the people of J&K,” Jan added.