Farooq Abdullah Open to Post-Poll Alliance in J&K: “Why Not?”

Srinagar: Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah, at 86, has expressed a willingness to form a strategic post-poll alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from taking power in Jammu and Kashmir after the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections.

“Why not…” Abdullah remarked when asked about the possibility of collaboration, adding, “How does it matter? If we all work for the same thing… for improvement in the condition of the people of the state. We can be rivals in elections but I have no objections. I am sure Congress will not either.”

However, he was clear that he would not be seeking the Chief Minister’s post if their alliance succeeds. “I will not be the Chief Minister… let this be clear. I have done my job. My problem will be – how can we make a strong government…”

Abdullah indicated that he is open to approaching independent lawmakers for support but cautioned, “I will not go beg before them. If they feel they can strengthen the state, then welcome.”

Currently, the NC and Congress are allied under the INDIA bloc umbrella. The PDP was also invited to join this coalition, but a seat-sharing agreement could not be finalized, resulting in former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s party contesting independently.

With exit polls indicating a potential hung Assembly, the PDP could play a crucial ‘kingmaker’ role in Jammu and Kashmir’s first state election in a decade. While exit polls suggest the NC-Congress alliance may secure the most seats, they are projected to fall short of the 46 MLAs needed for a majority in the 90-member House. The PDP, estimated to win between four and twelve seats, could determine the outcome for either the NC-Congress or the BJP.

Zuhaib Yusuf Mir, the PDP candidate for the Lal Chowk seat in Srinagar, noted the PDP’s willingness to collaborate with the NC and Congress to ensure the BJP does not gain control. “PDP will have an important role in forming any secular government… we have said we are ready to take any step to save the identity of Kashmir but, for this, it is important we form a government against BJP and not with them,” he stated.

Not all members of the PDP and NC appear aligned on this perspective. Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija, criticized discussions of an alliance before the results are announced, deeming it “unnecessary.” Similarly, Omar Abdullah, a senior NC leader and Farooq’s son, urged caution against “premature speculation.” He stated, “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.”

As the region awaits the election results, the political dynamics remain fluid and uncertain.