Opposition unity depends on Congress' ability to fight BJP: Omar Abdullah

Kolkata, July 28: Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah said no effort towards opposition unity would succeed unless Congress is able to fight BJP in the way opposition parties hope.

About possibilities of Magathabandhan ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Omar Abdullah said, " The question you asked about Mamata didi's proposal, is what we're discussing - how best can regional parties come together to take on BJP in general elections. No effort towards opposition unity will succeed unless Congress is able to fight BJP in the way we hope."

Abdullah said that the talks about grand alliance are 'an ongoing conversation'. " You have seen a number of efforts made particularly by Sonia Gandhi to bring opposition parties together. As we get closer to the general election in 2019 I'm sure it'll take on a greater shape," Abdullah told reporters in Kolkata.

A strong Union is required for a strong country but a strong Union can't come at the cost of the states. Where does it say that for a strong Union you have to have weak states? You only have a strong Union if you have strong states.

Today India isn't as strong as it could be as we're facing problems in numerous states-Maoist insurgency in parts of the country, problems in north-east or J&K. States that have been weakened have held Union back from progressing the way we ought to have done.