‘Concerns being raised by Oppn over poll results’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 7: National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that the opposition INDIA bloc remains “fully operative” and dismissed speculation about divisions within the alliance following recent electoral setbacks.
Speaking to reporters after a provincial committee meeting of the National Conference at party headquarters, Naw-e-Subah, here, Abdullah said the opposition alliance continues to remain united despite questions being raised in political circles after recent poll outcomes. “INDIA bloc is always operative, it will continue to operate,” Abdullah said when asked about the unity of the opposition grouping.
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He said the meeting primarily focused on organisational affairs and measures to further strengthen the party at the grassroot level. “This is the highest body meeting and all matters related to the party were discussed, including how the party will be strengthened,” he said.
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Commenting on the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the West Bengal polls, Abdullah said concerns over the election results were being raised by several opposition leaders across the country. “Mamata Banerjee is raising questions, Akhilesh Yadav is raising questions, everyone is raising questions on the poll results,” he said.
Abdullah expressed hope that the matter would reach the Supreme Court of India and justice would be delivered. “I hope they will take this to the Supreme Court and that the Supreme Court will deliver justice on it,” he said.
Meanwhile, During the marathon meeting, detailed discussions were held on the current political and administrative situation in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the issues and challenges faced by the people, party activities, organizational matters, and the future course of action.
Participants highlighted public grievances from their respective areas, particularly economic distress, unemployment, and issues related to basic amenities. Information was also shared regarding ongoing party activities in different regions, public outreach programmes, and the difficulties being faced by party workers.
In his address, Dr. Farooq Abdullah urged the members of the Working Committee to maintain strong grassroots contact with the people and play an active role in further strengthening the party. He said that the National Conference had faced numerous challenges in the past and had always emerged successfully due to public support. He added that the party had made financial and personal sacrifices to safeguard the interests of Jammu & Kashmir and would confront present challenges with the same determination.
Dr. Farooq said that the opposition’s misleading statements, false propaganda, and political theatrics could not weaken the National Conference because the party enjoys the unwavering support of the people. He stated that the National Conference has always represented the sentiments, aspirations, and emotions of the people and would continue to prioritize public interest above all else.
He directed party MLAs to rise above personal interests and make public service their top priority under all circumstances. He also instructed that the party membership drive be launched immediately and preparations for organizational elections be completed, emphasizing that active and genuine grassroots representatives should be brought forward.
Meanwhile, National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq has dismissed speculation of dissent within the party, saying that “not a single member” or worker was upset and accused the opponents of spreading rumours out of political fear.
Addressing reporters after the provincial working committee meeting, Sadiq said the party remained united and committed to fulfilling its promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Not a single member of the National Conference or worker is upset,” he said. He added, “Those deliberately putting out such news are either scared or have nothing else to do except spread rumours.”
He said the meeting focused primarily on organisational matters, development works and feedback from party legislators and district-level leaders. According to Sadiq, discussions were held on development projects being undertaken by the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, particularly in Kashmir.
“The way the Omar Abdullah government has laid a net of development across Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the Kashmir Valley, major projects are coming together,” he said.
Sadiq said MLAs discussed difficulties being faced in implementing development works and raised concerns of party workers at the grassroots level. He added that similar meetings were being conducted at district and provincial levels as part of the party’s organisational outreach.
The spokesperson clarified that there was no discussion on Cabinet expansion during the meeting, saying the issue fell exclusively under the prerogative of the chief minister. “This is not that forum. It is Omar Abdullah’s prerogative. He will do it when he feels like it,” Sadiq said.
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