Ahead of the counting of votes in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah hinted on Sunday that his party is open to forming a government in the Union Territory with the support of Mehbooba Mufti's PDP, if necessary.


Discussing potential alliances, Abdullah mentioned that the NC-Congress coalition might consider PDP's backing to tackle major issues like unemployment and press freedom in the region.


When asked if the NC-Congress alliance would accept support from the PDP, Abdullah told news agency PTI, "Why not?" "How does it matter? If we all work for the same thing, for improvement in the conditions of the people of the state, removing unemployment, removing all the distresses that have occurred in the last 10 years."


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"The first thing we should do is restore the freedom of the press. We should have the right to say what is true and what is not true. We can be rivals in elections but I have no objections and I am sure Congress will have no objections," he also said.


Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, Farooq's son and a key NC leader, called the reports of PDP support "premature speculation." “They haven’t extended support, they haven’t offered support, and we don’t know what the voters have decided yet, so I really wish we could put a lid on all this premature speculation for the next 24 hours, ”Omar Abdullah added.


PDP Leader Iltija Mufti Labels This Speculation 'Unnecessary'





The reports on Mehbooba Mufti's PDP supporting the National Conference-Congress alliance came to light after exit polls predicted tough competition in Jammu and Kashmir. It was also hinted that there might be a possibility of a hung Assembly.


Whereas, PDP leader Iltija Mufti labels the speculations on her party joining the National Conference-Congress alliance "unnecessary". "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 Mufti, the daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, said in a post on X.




Farooq Abdullah has ruled himself out as a candidate for the chief minister's position, instead expressing his intention to establish a strong government focused on the welfare of the people. His sole target is to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that only a fully empowered elected government could address the region's issues.


Abdullah also suggested that his party might accept support from independent candidates but made it clear he would not actively pursue it. "If they want to strengthen the state, they are welcome, but I won't beg for it," he stated.


He further cautioned that his party would oppose any efforts by the BJP to grant nomination powers to the Lieutenant Governor, vowing to challenge such moves in court.


The results of the recent Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections will be announced on Tuesday, October 8.