Jammu and Kashmir: Supported Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP to Save State from ‘Current Mess’ and Uncertainty, Says Omar Abdullah
National Conference leader stated that he supported Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP to save Jammu and Kashmir from its "current mess" and uncertainty.
Srinagar, November 22: With the war of words on the government formation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir going on, former chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah explained on Thursday the reasons behind supporting rival Peoples Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti. He was of the opinion that he took the decision to save the state from its "current mess" and uncertainty.
Briefing the media in Srinagar on Thursday, Omar said, “We didn't favour an alliance with PDP (Peoples Democratic Party). We wanted elections much earlier. We wanted things to be cleared earlier, but that was not being done. We finally decided to give outside support to them.” Ram Madhav Charges PDP, NC of Joining Hands at Pakistan's Behest; Omar Abdullah Retaliates
Omar claimed that he was offered the position of chief minister if the government was formed, but turned it down. He said, “We were asked for a letter of support by the PDP, but I said I can only take a decision after consulting my party, so we told them that we would need a day or two to get that organized.” Adding more, he said, “We would have probably given that letter today.”
Since Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Assembly on Wednesday, stating that stable government in the state under prevailing conditions is not possible, fresh elections will take place within six-month time.
Asked about possible alliance with PDP in the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Omar stated that fighting elections together won’t be of any benefit to the state. He said, “Nobody ever suggested that we would be fighting polls together. This arrangement was to protect J&K from current mess. I don't believe that NC, PDP and Congress fighting elections together will in any way benefit J&K because legitimate opposition voices are essential.” 'Pakistan' Behind NC-PDP Bonhomie? Ram Madhav Retracts Charge After Omar Abdullah's Tirade
Earlier on Wednesday, PDP, NC and Congress have come to the consensus to form a government in state, which was later dissolved by Governor Malik. The PDP has 27 seats, NC has 15 while Congress has 12 seats. BJP has 25 seats in the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 22, 2018 03:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).