No clarity, wind up INDIA, says Omar; vital for nation’s unity, differs Farooq

Hours after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the INDIA bloc should be wound up if it was formed only for the parliamentary poll, his father and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah said the alliance was meant to strengthen the country and was not limited to the elections.

Answering a query from mediapersons in Jammu, Omar said it was unfortunate that no meeting of INDIA bloc had taken place. There was no clarity on the agenda and leadership of the bloc, he said.

“There is no clarity on whether the alliance will exist. Maybe after the Delhi elections, all member parties of the alliance are called for a meeting. If it was only for the parliamentary poll, it should be wound up. However, if it is meant even for the Assembly elections, we have to work together,” Omar said.

Within hours of Omar’s statement, Farooq told mediapersons that the alliance was formed not just to contest elections but was meant for the unity of the country and to remove hatred. “If someone says the alliance is only for the parliamentary poll, it is a misunderstanding,” Farooq said.

Can decide after delhi poll

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There’s no clarity on whether INDIA will exist. Maybe after Delhi polls, all parties can meet. If it was only for parliamentary poll, it should be wound up. Otherwise, we have to work together. —Omar Abdullah, J&K CM

Alliance is permanent

The alliance is not just about contesting elections, it is also about strengthening India and eliminating hatred. The alliance is permanent — it is for every day and every moment. —Farooq Abdullah, National Conference Chief

Meanwhile, on the defiant posture adopted by National Conference MP from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and his remarks to a news portal that Omar will be seen as a “Delhi’s representative”, Farooq said Omar had been chosen by people. “Omar doesn’t work on the directions of others...he works only on the directions of people… We are not here to have a confrontation with Delhi… we have to work with Delhi to remove the problems of the people of Jammu and Kashmir... those who want to fight with Delhi are free to do so,” he said.

Farooq said J&K was facing multiple problems, including unemployment and lack of development. He said doctors and teachers were needed for hospitals and schools in J&K for which assistance from Delhi was required. “We need to coordinate with the Central Government. Only then can we fulfil the expectations of the people,” Farooq said.

Responding to questions about the dual governance structure, Farooq reiterated the demand for statehood, stating that the dual power structure in Jammu and Kashmir would stabilise once full statehood is restored. He stressed that both the central and state governments should prioritise the needs of the people rather than engaging in conflicts that hinder progress.