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The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are witnessing a heated exchange between key political figures, with Omar Abdullah, leader of the National Conference (NC), launching a sharp critique of Mehbooba Mufti's, leader of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), recent proposal regarding the elections. Mufti had proposed that her party would extend support to the NC-Congress alliance if they agree to adopt the PDP's agenda for solving the Kashmir issue. However, Abdullah vehemently rejected this proposal, asserting that the PDP's agenda is essentially the same as that of the NC-Congress alliance. In a public address in Ganderbal district, Abdullah stated, "They (PDP) said if the NC-Congress alliance accepts their agenda, they will not put up candidates. You have put all our agenda in your manifesto. You have already accepted our agenda and now there is not much of a difference between your agenda and our agenda. Then do not field candidates and come, we will build a better tomorrow for Jammu and Kashmir."
Abdullah further highlighted the similarities in the manifestos of both parties, pointing out that the PDP's promises regarding free electricity units, government job creation, and reopening of cross-LoC routes mirror the NC-Congress alliance's promises. He emphasized that their agendas are effectively identical, making the PDP's condition for supporting the alliance seem redundant. This heated exchange underscores the complex political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, where the elections are expected to be closely contested. The PDP's stance, while seemingly offering a path towards unity, has been met with skepticism by Abdullah. It remains to be seen whether the two parties can overcome their differences and form a coalition government, or if the elections will lead to a fragmented political landscape in the region.
Mufti, in her statement, clarified that her party's support for the NC-Congress alliance is contingent upon a shared commitment to addressing the Kashmir issue. She stressed that seat-sharing alone is not sufficient for forming an alliance and that the primary focus should be on tackling the complex issues facing Jammu and Kashmir. Mufti's stance suggests that she is prioritizing policy alignment over political expediency, highlighting her commitment to addressing the Kashmir issue. However, Abdullah's response indicates that he sees the PDP's proposal as a tactical maneuver aimed at gaining influence without making substantial concessions. The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to be a crucial test of political leadership and the ability of the various parties to find common ground on issues of national importance.
Source: 'Don't field candidates ... ': Omar Abdullah takes dig at Mehbooba Mufti's 'proposal' for J&K polls