Srinagar, J&K: National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah has expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Jammu & Kashmir for returning the party to prominence after a decade. Speaking on the party’s success, Abdullah emphasized the importance of meeting the expectations of the people. “After 10 years, the people have given their mandate to us. We pray to Allah that we meet their expectations,” he said, signaling the party’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
Farooq Abdullah stressed that governance in Jammu & Kashmir would not be marked by heavy-handedness but would instead prioritize the voice of the people. “It will not be ‘police raj’ here but ‘logon ka raj’ (people’s rule) here,” he stated. One of the key objectives of his administration, he added, would be to work towards the release of innocent individuals currently imprisoned. Moreover, Abdullah made it clear that media freedom would be upheld under the NC’s governance, stating, “Media will be free.”
The veteran leader also spoke about the need to restore harmony between communities in the region. “We have to develop trust between Hindus and Muslims,” he said, underlining his commitment to fostering unity. Abdullah expressed optimism that the INDIA alliance partners, a coalition of opposition parties, would collaborate with the National Conference in the fight to restore Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood. “I am hopeful that INDIA alliance partners will fight with us to restore statehood here,” he remarked.
Abdullah further hinted that his son, Omar Abdullah, might assume the role of the Chief Minister in the near future, stating, “I understand Omar Abdullah will become the CM.” This signals a possible leadership shift within the party, with Omar poised to take on the mantle of leading the state.
On a separate note, Farooq Abdullah reflected on the Congress party’s recent electoral setback in Haryana, expressing disappointment over the party’s performance. “I am sad that they (Congress) have not won in Haryana…I think it happened due to their internal disputes,” he said, attributing the loss to internal conflicts within the party.
Farooq Abdullah’s remarks reflect both his gratitude for the support of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and his forward-looking vision for the region’s governance. His commitment to restoring statehood, fostering trust between communities, and ensuring media freedom will be central themes as the National Conference embarks on its new chapter in the region.
Farooq Abdullah, born on October 21, 1937, in Srinagar, is a prominent Indian politician and the current President of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC). He has served multiple terms as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and has also held the position of Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy. His political career has been significant in shaping the region’s landscape (Wikipedia).
In the recent Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the National Conference, in alliance with the Congress, secured a comfortable majority. Farooq Abdullah announced that his son, Omar Abdullah, will assume the role of Chief Minister. Addressing supporters in Srinagar, he stated, “People have given their mandate; they have proven that they don’t accept the decision that was taken on August 5… Omar Abdullah will be the Chief Minister.” (Times of India)
Prior to the election results, Farooq Abdullah expressed openness to forming a government with the support of Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) if necessary. He emphasized the importance of unity to address pressing issues like unemployment and to restore press freedom in the region. When questioned about a potential NC-PDP alliance, he responded, “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…” (India Today)
These developments follow the first regional elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of its autonomy in 2019. The peaceful conduct of the elections is viewed as a positive step towards strengthening democratic processes in the region (Financial Times).
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