Farooq Abdullah Rejects BJP Alliance: NC Poised For Victory In J&K Assembly Election 2024

In response to exit polls showing a lead for the National Conference, Farooq Abdullah firmly rejected any post-poll alliance with the BJP, citing community challenges and disconnect. He anticipates the NC as the likely largest party in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

As exit polls indicate a significant lead for the National Conference (NC) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, NC Chief Farooq Abdullah has firmly rejected the possibility of a post-poll alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Most exit polls suggest that no party is expected to achieve the majority mark of 46 seats.

Farooq Abdullah Dismisses Post-Poll Alliance With BJP

In an interview with PTI, Abdullah stated, "We cannot form any sort of alliance with the BJP. The vote we received in Kashmir is against the BJP. They have imposed numerous difficulties on the Muslim community, bulldozed their shops, houses, mosques, and schools. Do you think we will ally with them?" He emphasized that the BJP's failure to include Muslim representatives in the Lok Sabha and the lack of a single Muslim minister in the Union Cabinet reflects its disconnect with the community.

Abdullah added, "I think our people will not vote for the BJP. If they think they will form the government, then they are living in a cuckoo's world."

These comments come amid speculation that the NC may be engaging in backchannel talks with the BJP for government formation. However, Abdullah clarified that the NC is likely to emerge as the single-largest party, with exit polls predicting 33 to 35 seats for the party.

In light of the electoral landscape, he mentioned that decisions regarding the chief ministerial candidate would be made after discussions with party partners and workers once the final results are declared on October 8. Abdullah also expressed skepticism about the reliability of exit polls, stating, "I do not believe in exit polls. I have never believed in them, and I never will."

As the election results approach, the dynamics of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly could shift dramatically, particularly with the NC positioned to play a key role in the Union Territory's political future.