During the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, leading political figures from the Union Territory gathered at the 'Panchayat AajTak Jammu and Kashmir' event, held by the serene Dal Lake in Srinagar. From National Conference head Dr. Farooq Abdullah to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti, and Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone, everyone was asked what they would do if no single party or coalition manages to achieve the magic number of 46 required to form the government.
While Farooq Abdullah urged waiting until the election results, Iltija Mufti, Sajad Lone, and Engineer Rashid drew clear lines about their alliances. So, what were their responses?
Farooq Abdullah
Dr. Farooq Abdullah, leader of the National Conference and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, stated that discussions on alliances would take place only after the election results. He clarified that he was not open to alliances, citing the example of 1996 when similar discussions were prevalent but, in the end, they formed a government with a majority.
Farooq Abdullah, leader of the National Conference, suggested waiting until after the election results to discuss alliances. He emphasized that he is not open to alliances and recalled a similar situation in 1996, where they ultimately formed a majority government.
Omar Abdullah
Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference and former Chief Minister, also insisted on waiting. When asked about the party’s stance in a hung assembly, he said they would see what the BJP plans to do and with whom they align. He added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have two options: a pre-poll or a post-poll alliance. Their aim is to reduce the seats of the BJP in the Jammu region. 'Let’s wait for the results,' he concluded.
Omar Abdullah said that they will wait to see what the BJP does post-election, stressing the importance of waiting for the results. He mentioned their efforts to reduce BJP seats in the Jammu region and highlighted the choice the people have between a pre-poll and post-poll alliance.
Iltija Mufti
Iltija Mufti made a comparison, saying they are still in the election phase and making any predictions now would be like counting chickens before they hatch. She confidently stated that the BJP would not form the government. When asked if the PDP would ally with the National Conference and Congress post-elections, she mentioned that she’s only a small part of the PDP and the party will make the final decision.
Iltija Mufti resisted making any assumptions, stating it's too early and likened it to counting unhatched eggs. She was clear that the PDP is firm in its stance that the BJP will not form the government. Clarity on future alliances will come from the PDP's leadership.
Sajad Lone
Sajad Lone, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference, firmly stated they would not join hands with communal parties. He highlighted that although they stem from a separatist background, they have aligned with mainstream parties before and would consider their options, possibly sitting in opposition if necessary. Yet, they remain steadfast against aligning with communal parties.
Sajad Lone firmly stated they would not align with communal parties, despite their past dealings with mainstream parties. He emphasized their willingness to sit in opposition if needed while avoiding any communal alignments.
Engineer Rashid
Independent MP from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid, criticized both the NDA and the India Bloc, deeming them similar. He stated that if the National Conference and Congress promise to reinstate Article 370 when they gain power, he would support and campaign for them in all 90 seats.
Engineer Rashid called both the NDA and India Bloc similar, and criticized their unity. He said if the National Conference and Congress commit to reinstating Article 370, he would support and campaign for them across all 90 seats.
