National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has made headlines recently by firmly ruling out any potential post-poll alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. His statements came during a press interaction on Saturday, where he asserted, "We cannot go with the BJP. The vote which we have got here is the vote against the BJP." Abdullah's comments come against the backdrop of speculations about possible political collaborations after the recent elections, which marked the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir in over ten years.
Abdullah’s remarks reflect the sentiments of many who feel betrayed by the BJP’s actions over the years. He highlighted various grievances within the Muslim community, stating, "They created difficulties for Muslims, bulldozed their shops, houses, mosques, and schools, do you think we will go with them?" His firm stance against aligning with the BJP showcases his party's resistance to what they categorize as longstanding injustices. A considerable portion of the electorate views the recent electoral results as aligning with anti-BJP sentiments, which Abdullah recognizes as pivotal.
During the discussion, Abdullah made specific references to the BJP's track record, emphasizing, "The BJP did not give mandate to even a single Muslim in the Lok Sabha polls nor is there a single Muslim minister in the union cabinet." This statement points to perceived discrimination against Muslim representation and enhances the narrative of disenfranchisement among the local populace.
Abdullah also addressed questions posited about Engineer Rashid, the MP for Baramulla, who is currently out on bail and has been labeled by the NC as a potential proxy for the BJP. Addressing his influence on the assembly polls, Abdullah dismissed the notion, asserting, "I do not see any factor." This suggests confidence within the NC ranks as they navigate the post-election dialogue, affirming their position against any collaboration with the BJP.
Meanwhile, the National Conference has recently reiterated its disconnection from any party not aligned with the INDIA bloc, particularly rebuffed rumors about engaging with the BJP for government formation. Speculations tend to emerge during election cycles, yet the NC's clarity is firm—existing alongside the BJP is not under consideration.
Abdullah's comments came just as the excitement of the elections peaked, with significant participation noted—evidenced by the voter turnout figures recorded across recent polling phases. Voter enthusiasm culminated with around 63.88% turnout noted by the end of the assembly elections, demonstrating the engagement and interest of residents seeking change.
Reflecting on the election process, Abdullah expressed skepticism toward exit polls and those predicting outcomes prior to official announcements, stating, "I have never believed in exit polls. The votes are in the boxes. We will know on October 8 what exactly is in and out." His words conveyed both patience and pragmatism, emphasizing the importance of awaiting formal results and enabling voters' voices to dictate the outcome of the elections.
The broader political environment also saw commentary from other notable figures, including Omar Abdullah, who warned about potential attempts by the BJP to undermine the powers of the chief minister if they don’t achieve favorable results within the polls. This narrative raises significant concern about the center's role and intentions concerning governance following these elections.
