Latest National Conference News | Top National Conference News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking National Conference News Today | English National Conference News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Political dynasties dominate newly elected Jammu & Kashmir assembly

October 14, 2024, 3:17 am

The recently concluded assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir have brought to the forefront a significant number of legislators from established political families, with at least 13 newly elected MLAs hailing from such backgrounds. The National Conference (NC), which emerged as the single largest party in the elections, leads in the number of candidates from political dynasties, further solidifying its influence in the region.
The NC, which fought the polls in an alliance with the Congress, is poised to form the government, with Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister-designate, representing the third generation of the influential Abdullah family. Both his father, Farooq Abdullah, and his grandfather, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, have served as MLAs and as chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir.

Among the Congress leadership, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra stands out. Although his grandfather, Ghulam Mohiuddin Karra, never served as an MLA, he played a pivotal role in the National Conference before forming his own party in 1954. Tariq Karra, a former MLA and Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, resigned from the Parliament in 2016 in protest against the civilian killings during the summer unrest in the valley. Salman Sagar, considered one of the rising stars among second-generation politicians, has been elected from the Hazratbal seat. His father, Ali Mohammad Sagar, a senior NC leader, won a record seventh straight term in the assembly and will take a prominent place in the treasury benches.
Mian Altaf Ahmad, a significant figure in tribal politics and currently a Lok Sabha member from Anantnag-Rajouri, has passed the political mantle to his son, Mian Mehar Ali, who replaces him as the MLA from Kangan. Mian Altaf’s brother-in-law, Zafar Ali Khatana, was also elected to the assembly from Kokernag, a seat now reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates. Hilal Akbar Lone, son of former assembly speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone, continues his family’s political legacy, winning from the Sonawari seat. Mohammad Akbar Lone held this seat three times between 2002 and 2018. Other notable figures from political families include Tanvir Sadiq, NC chief spokesperson and son of former MLA Sadiq Ali, who won from Zadibal, and Sajjad Shafi Uri, son of former Education Minister Mohammad Shafi Uri, elected from Uri. In Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, son of veteran Congress leader Ghulam Rasool Kar, claimed the seat for the NC.

Further extending the dynastic reach, Bashir Ahmad Veeri, son of former Minister Abdul Gani Shah Veeri, won the Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat, while Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad, son of former MLC Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, secured the Lal Chowk seat.

Outside the NC-Congress alliance, PDP MLA Rafeeq Ahmad Naik, son of former speaker Ali Mohammad Naik, won from Tral, while Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, brother of Lok Sabha member Sheikh Abdul Rashid, claimed victory in Langate.

The election results underscore the deep-rooted presence of political dynasties in Jammu and Kashmir, as many of these families continue to wield significant influence over the region’s political landscape.

Congress Extends Support to National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir

October 11, 2024, 7:40 pm

The Congress party officially backed the National Conference (NC) for forming the government in Jammu and Kashmir, issuing a letter of support following a legislature party meeting on Friday. The Congress party has authorized its central leadership to elect the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in the region.

Alliance Achieves Electoral Success

The NC-Congress alliance emerged victorious in the recent assembly elections, securing a total of 48 seats. The National Conference played a crucial role in leading the alliance, as Congress could only manage to win six seats out of the 90 assembly seats contested in a three-phase election.

During the CLP meeting, Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra announced, “We unanimously passed a resolution and authorized the party’s central leadership to choose our CLP leader. We have extended our support to the National Conference.” He emphasized that the party has no demands and is focused on working together with the NC for the benefit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Karra remarked, “The spirit of this alliance is much higher than the number game. Our fight with the BJP is varied and cannot be reduced to ministerial posts.”

In response to a query, Karra confirmed that the choice made by the National Conference regarding its leader of the legislature party is entirely acceptable to the Congress party.

The Congress’s letter of support will enable the National Conference to stake a claim to form the government, marking the first elected government in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two union territories.

Omar Abdullah’s Call for Statehood Restoration

Omar Abdullah, who has been elected as the Leader of the National Conference, highlighted the importance of passing a resolution to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood when the government is formed. He expressed a commitment to work harmoniously with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) for the benefit of the region’s people, stating, “We will make every effort to work for the people.”

Omar Abdullah Cabinet to Have 2-3 Hindu Ministers

October 11, 2024, 2:24 am

Omar Abdullah’s upcoming cabinet is poised to feature 2-3 Hindu ministers, marking a significant political shift for the National Conference (NC) as it looks to broaden its representation in key regions. One of the most prominent names expected to join the cabinet is Surinder Choudhary, who secured a major victory by defeating J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina in the Pir Panjal region. Choudhary’s win over a high-profile BJP figure not only strengthens NC’s position but also highlights the party’s intent to challenge its rivals in critical areas.

In the Chenab Valley, NC MLA Arjun Singh or Independent MLA Pyare Lal are considered frontrunners for a cabinet post from the NC quota. While Arjun Singh has long been a trusted NC loyalist, Pyare Lal’s rising influence as an Independent adds weight to his potential selection. The decision rests with Omar Abdullah, who faces the delicate task of balancing party loyalty with regional representation.

Another key name likely to secure a cabinet position is Independent MLA Satish Sharma, also under the NC quota. His inclusion would further solidify NC’s outreach to diverse communities in the state, reflecting Omar Abdullah’s calculated approach to widen the party’s appeal ahead of the next political cycle. While speaking to The Daily Guardian, Satish Sharma emphasized his commitment to his constituency, stating, “My priority is my people. I want my area to be developed and issues to be addressed, as I have more responsibilities now.” His appointment, if confirmed, could bring much-needed attention to regional development issues long overlooked in the political shuffle.

Lone BJP Woman Candidate Parihar Wins From Kishtwar, Vows To Strengthen Security

October 9, 2024, 3:47 am

In a significant electoral triumph, Shagun Parihar, the lone BJP woman candidate in Jammu and Kashmir, won the Kishtwar Assembly seat on Tuesday, five years after losing her father and uncle in a terror attack. Parihar defeated seasoned National Conference (NC) leader and former minister Sajad Ahmed Kitchloo, securing victory by a narrow margin of 521 votes.

Parihar polled 29,053 votes, maintaining a lead throughout the vote count, while Kitchloo, who had held the seat twice before, finished with 28,532 votes. The PDP’s Firdos Ahmed Tak trailed far behind with only 997 votes, losing his deposit. Parihar, who entered politics after her family tragedy, expressed deep gratitude to the people of Kishtwar for their trust in her.

“I bow before the people of Kishtwar for their faith in me and my party. I am humbled by their endorsement,” Parihar said after her victory. She emphasized that her win symbolizes the will of the “nationalist people of Jammu and Kashmir” and pledged to focus on security, a pressing issue in the region scarred by years of unrest. “My message to the people is to strive for peace, progress, and prosperity. I will work for the safety and security of the region,” she added.

BJP workers celebrated Parihar’s win with enthusiasm, gathering in Kishtwar to chant slogans, beat drums, and wave party flags. They also cheered the victory of Sunil Sharma in the Paddar Nagseni constituency.At 29, Parihar, who holds a Master of Technology degree in Electronics and is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in the same field, has had little previous political involvement beyond grassroots work. Despite her personal grief, she emphasized that her victory honors all families who have sacrificed in the fight agains t terrorism. “This win is not just mine; it honors those who have given their lives for this nation,” she said.

Parihar also noted that employment opportunities for educated youth would be a key focus of her work, underscoring the need for economic progress in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah campaigned extensively for her, praising her resilience and commitment to the cause of families affected by terrorism.

PM Modi Commends NC For Its Win, Hails BJP’s Performance In J&K Polls

October 9, 2024, 3:34 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the National Conference (NC) for its commendable performance in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, which marked the first state polls held since the abrogation of Article 370.

In a post on the micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi congratulated the NC, acknowledging its electoral success, while also expressing pride in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) performance. “I would like to compliment JKNC for their commendable performance in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections,” Modi wrote.

He went on to thank those who supported the BJP, stating, “I am proud of the BJP’s performance in Jammu and Kashmir. I thank all those who have voted for our party and placed their trust in us. I assure the people that we will keep working for the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir. I also appreciate the industrious efforts of our Karyakartas.”
Modi highlighted the significance of these elections, calling them “very special” as they were held for the first time since the removal of Articles 370 and 35(A). “These elections in Jammu and Kashmir have been very special. They were held for the first time after the removal of Articles 370 and 35(A) and witnessed a high turnout, thus showing the people’s belief in democracy. I compliment each and every person of Jammu and Kashmir for this,” the post added.

The elections have drawn attention due to the high voter turnout, underscoring renewed engagement in the political process following the significant constitutional changes in the region.

Amit Shah Kishtwar Rally: ‘Congress Attempting to Reignite Terrorism in J&K’

September 16, 2024, 4:37 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a rally in Kishtwar on the final day of campaigning for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. During his speech, Shah accused the Congress party and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, of attempting to return the region to a state of terrorism.

As a senior BJP leader, Shah has consistently claimed that both the Congress and its ally, the National Conference (NC), are lenient on terrorism. He alleged that if this alliance comes into power, they intend to release individuals involved in terrorism and stone-pelting. These accusations were dismissed by NC Vice President and former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.

In his address, Shah stated, “Once again, efforts are being made to evoke support for terrorism here. The NC and Congress have even promised that if they win, they will release these terrorists. But I today assure you, as long as Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s government is there (at the Centre), no one will dare to spread terrorism on India’s soil.”

He also paid tribute to the martyrs of the region and vowed to eliminate terrorism permanently. Shah reiterated that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and was revoked by the BJP-led government in August 2019, is now “history.”

Also read:

Trinamool’s Kunal Ghosh’s ‘Rat’ Photo Barb, CPM Leader’s ‘Rabbit’ Comeback

Nayab Singh Saini BJP’s Haryana CM Candidate Confirms Dharmendra Pradhan Amid Anil Vij’s Claim

BJP and Congress Clash Over Viral Video of Madhya Pradesh Gangrape Case Arrest

The elections for the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly, the first since November-December 2014, are scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 1, with the counting of votes set for October 8. The last assembly election resulted in a coalition government formed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the BJP in February 2015, which ended in June 2018.

Er Rashid Out On Bail, Adds worries to National Conference.

September 11, 2024, 12:52 pm

In a potentially game-changing move, a Delhi Court on Tuesday granted interim bail till October 2 to Lok Sabha MP from Kashmir Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid in a terror funding case to enable him to campaign in the upcoming state assembly elections.

National Conference
Spokeswoman Ifra Jan have reacted strongly to the interim bail granted to Er Rashid as according to her statement, his release is aimed at engineering a split in their votes to help BJP.

Ifra claimed that the bail was a political manever aimed até gaining an advantage in the upcoming Assembly elections rather, and serving the voters que elected him to Parliament.

BJP Spokesperson Sajid Yousuf said that there is no is in bail, and that is granted by the law of the land. He added that BJP is the largest party in the country and we will form the government on our own in Jammu e Kashmir.

Rashid was in the news in theLok Sabha Elections 2024 when he defeated former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by over two lakh votes in the Baramulla seat.

National Conference Announces List Of 18 Candidates For J&K Assembly Polls

August 27, 2024, 1:39 pm

After finalising its seat-sharing agreement with Congress, the National Conference (NC) on Monday released a list of 18 candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections. The party announced on social media that party president Farooq Abdullah had approved these nominations.

Notable candidates include retired Justice Hussnain Masoodi from Pampore, Mohammad Khalil Bandh from Pulwama, Sheikh Mohammad Rafi from Shopian, Gh Mohi-Ud-Din Mir from Rajpora, and Khalid Najeeb Soharwardy from Doda. Other key nominees include Showkat Hussain Ganie for Zainpora, former minister Sakina Ittoo for DH Pora, Peerzada Feroze Ahmad for Devsar, Chowdary Zaffer Ahmad for Larnoo, Abdul Majeed Larmi for Anantnag West, Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri for Bijbehara, Reyaz Ahmad Khan for Anantnag East, Altaf Ahmad Kaloo for Pahalgam, Mehboob Iqbal for Bhaderwah, Arjun Singh Raju for Ramban, Sajad Shaheen for Banihal, Sajad Kichloo for Kishtwar, and Pooja Thokur for Pader-Nagsani.

Earlier on Monday, it was announced that as per the seat-sharing agreement between the National Conference and Congress for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the National Conference will contest 51 out of 90 seats, while Congress will contest 32. The two parties will also engage in a “friendly contest” in five constituencies. Additionally, one seat each has been allocated to CPI(M) and the Panthers Party.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra, while making the announcement, said that the two parties had reached the seat-sharing agreement by understanding the “sensitivities of each other.”

He mentioned that some seats were challenging and that they would have a “friendly contest in a disciplined manner.”

The seat-sharing agreement was announced one day before the deadline for filing nominations for the first phase of elections on September 18, which will cover 24 seats.

“National Conference will contest on 51 seats, Congress on 32 and we have agreed to have a friendly but disciplined contest on 5 seats. Over and above these 88 seats, we have left 1 seat for CPI (M) and 1 seat for Panthers Party,” Karra said at a press conference.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 4. Elections will be held across 90 Assembly constituencies in the region. According to the Election Commission, there are 88.06 lakh registered voters in the union territory.

Himanta Biswa Sarma Slams National Conference Manifesto As Anti-India, Pro-Pakistan

August 25, 2024, 3:14 pm

After the Congress and National Conference announced their alliance for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised the National Conference manifesto on Saturday. He described it as “anti-India and a pro-Pakistani document,” noting that the manifesto explicitly supports engaging in constructive dialogue with Pakistan.

“National Conference manifesto, first they have said that they will restore Article 370 and Article 35 A of the Constitution of India. National Conference manifesto has clearly said that they are for constructive dialogue with Pakistan. They have also said that they want to have trade with Pakistan and those who were involved in the stone pelting and various heinous crimes against the civilians and Police, will be taken back to the government service. The National Conference manifesto has also said that they will withhold or they will discontinue the reservation given to the Dalits, Gujars, Bakarwals and Pahari communities. They have also said that they will continue to patronise directly or indirectly, the separatist voices. So under these circumstances, if Congress joined hands with the National Conference, it is presumed that Congress has endorsed the National Conference manifesto and it is nothing but an anti-India document. It is a pro-Pakistani document. It is a document of a few fundamentalists,” Sarma said.

He added that Congress is opposed to India’s interests and will persist in their stance against the nation’s well-being.

“They are undermining the heroic sacrifice of our armed forces. I think Congress stands exposed today. Congress was against the interests of India. They are against the interests of India and they will continue to be against the interests of this great nation,” he added.

In their election manifesto, the PDP pledged to work towards restoring Articles 370 and 35A, pursue diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan, and ensure the respectful return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.

According to the manifesto, PDP “is resolute in its pursuit of restoring the constitutional guarantees that were unjustly scrapped and is committed to restoring Jammu & Kashmir to its original status, ensuring that the voices of its people are heard and their rights are safeguarded.”

The party also promised to advocate “diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan, emphasising conflict resolution, confidence-building measures, and regional cooperation” and the establishment of “full connectivity across the LoC for trade and social exchange.”

According to the Election Commission of India, polling in Jammu and Kashmir will take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. Vote counting is scheduled for October 4. These will be the first Assembly elections in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

Amit Shah Criticises Congress Over Alliance With National Conference

August 23, 2024, 6:46 pm

On Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah directed his criticism towards the Congress party following its announcement of an alliance with Farooq Abdullah’s National Conference in preparation for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Taking to X, Shah wrote, “The Congress party, which has repeatedly played with the unity and security of the country in its greed for power, has once again revealed its intentions to the country by forming an alliance with the Abdullah family’s ‘National Conference’ in the Jammu and Kashmir elections.”

The Congress party, which has repeatedly risked the nation’s unity and security to satiate its greed for power, has once again exposed its ulterior motives by allying with the Abdullah family's 'National Conference' in the Jammu and Kashmir elections.

Given the promises made in… pic.twitter.com/omxj3xOdP3

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 23, 2024

“My 10 questions to the Congress Party and Rahul Gandhi on the promises made in the National Conference manifesto:

Does Congress support National Conference’s promise of a separate flag for J&K again?
Do Rahul Gandhi and Congress support the National Conference’s decision to push J&K back into an era of unrest and terrorism by bringing back Article 370 and Article 35A?
Does the Congress support promoting separatism by talking to Pakistan in exchange for Kashmir’s youth?
Do Congress and Rahul Gandhi support nurturing terrorism and its ecosystem across the border (as a result) of the NC’s decision to start trade (across the LoC) with Pakistan?
Does Congress support bringing back the era of terrorism and shutdowns by reinstating to government posts family members of those involved in terrorism and stone-pelting?
This alliance has brought forth anti-reservation face of Congress. Is the party with NC’s promise to do injustice to Dalits, Gujjars, Bakarwals, and Paharis by ending reservation?
Does Congress want Shankaracharya Parvat (a temple on a hill overlooking Srinagar and dedicated to Lord Shiva) – to be Takht-e-Suliman, and Hari Parvat as Koh-e-Maran?
Does the Congress support handing over the J&K economy to a handful of Pakistan-backed families by once again throwing it into the fire of corruption?
Does Congress support NC’s politics of discrimination between Jammu and the Valley?
Do Congress and Rahul Gandhi support NC’s divisive thinking of autonomy to Kashmir?

NC and Congress form pre-poll alliance

As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for its first Assembly elections since becoming a union territory, Farooq Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) officially established a pre-poll alliance with the Congress party on Friday. The partnership was finalised during a meeting at Abdullah’s home on Thursday, which was attended by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.

The NC and Congress agreement encompasses all 90 Assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, with seat-sharing arrangements finalised for most constituencies. Omar Abdullah, the NC’s vice president, confirmed on Friday that negotiations have effectively allocated seats for the majority of the Assembly’s constituencies, with talks still in progress to address disputes over a few remaining seats.

“Consensus has been reached to a large extent. I can tell you that we have reached a consensus on the maximum seats out of the 90. On few seats, we are adamant and on some others, the local leaders of the Congress are adamant. There will be meetings today as well and we will try to sort out the rest of the seats so as to announce our candidates,” said Omar Abdullah.

NC And Congress finalise Alliance For All 90 J&K Assembly Seats

August 22, 2024, 9:30 pm

National Conference (NC) president, Farooq Abdullah, announced today that his party has finalised an alliance with Congress for all 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The confirmation came following a meeting between Abdullah and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge at Abdullah’s residence.

“We had a good meeting in a cordial atmosphere. The alliance is on track and, God willing, it will run smoothly. The alliance is final. It will be signed this evening and the alliance covers all 90 seats,” Abdullah told reporters.

The announcement comes ahead of the three-phase Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for September 18, September 25, and October 1. The results will be declared on October 4.

Abdullah also mentioned the involvement of CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami in the alliance and expressed confidence in securing a significant victory. “I hope our people are with us too, and that we win with a huge majority to improve the lives of the people,” he said.

When asked about Rahul Gandhi’s earlier assurance that restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a priority for the Congress and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, Abdullah expressed optimism. “Statehood is very important for all of us. This has been promised to us. This state has witnessed bad days, and we hope it will be restored with its full powers. For that, we stand together with the I.N.D.I,A. bloc,” he added.

This alliance sets the stage for a united opposition front as Jammu and Kashmir heads into its first Assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 and the state’s reorganisation into a union territory in 2019.

Farooq Abdullah Confirms Congress-NC Alliance Across All 90 Seats in J&K

August 22, 2024, 3:56 pm

In a significant political development, National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has confirmed the formation of an alliance between his party and the Congress, covering all 90 constituencies in Jammu & Kashmir. The announcement followed a high-stakes meeting in Srinagar with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

After the meeting, Abdullah expressed optimism about the alliance’s future, stating, “The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. The alliance is on track and it will go on well with God’s grace. It is final, it will be approved by this evening.” Emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the agreement, he added, “This alliance has been done on all 90 seats.”

However, the announcement has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina dismissing the alliance as a desperate move by the two parties. “Congress and National Conference are scared of losing in the assembly, that’s why they have joined hands for this alliance,” said Raina. He further asserted that the alliance would not change the outcome of the upcoming elections, declaring confidently, “Even this is not going to help both, as BJP is going to win and make the government in J&K.”

The NC-Congress alliance marks a strategic shift as both parties seek to consolidate their positions in the face of a resurgent BJP. The partnership, rooted in a shared vision for preserving Jammu & Kashmir’s unique identity and political autonomy, comes at a time when the region is navigating significant changes post the abrogation of Article 370.

For the Congress, this alliance with the NC is crucial for regaining its footing in the region, while for Abdullah, it represents a commitment to steering J&K through challenging times. However, Raina’s strong words underscore the fierce political battle that lies ahead, with the BJP aiming to consolidate its gains and secure a decisive victory in the upcoming assembly elections.

As political temperatures rise in Jammu & Kashmir, the NC-Congress coalition will have to counter the BJP’s narrative and mobilize effectively to achieve their electoral goals. The formalization of the alliance is expected by this evening, setting the stage for an intense electoral contest across the region.

Omar Abdullah Raises Budget Concerns and Criticizes Government Actions

July 23, 2024, 3:37 pm

Kashmir: Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, has voiced both anticipation and concern regarding the upcoming budget, particularly its provisions for Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah highlighted pressing issues such as high unemployment rates in the region and emphasized the need for concrete measures aimed at job creation. “We are eager to see if the budget addresses the needs of Jammu and Kashmir. With unemployment being a major issue, we hope the budget will include specific measures for employment generation. Should these concerns remain unaddressed, our two Members of Parliament will ensure the matter is raised in Parliament,” Abdullah stated.

Criticism of Kanwar Yatra Restrictions and UP Government’s Intentions

Abdullah also criticized the Uttar Pradesh government’s recent order concerning the Kanwar Yatra, suggesting it marginalizes the Muslim community. “The fast-tracked order seems to be aimed at excluding Muslims. If the UP government wants to keep Muslims at a distance, it’s important to remember that the successful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir relies heavily on Muslim support,” Abdullah remarked, emphasizing the critical role of the Muslim community in facilitating this annual pilgrimage.

Advocacy for Equal Political Participation

On the issue of political participation, Abdullah called for greater equality, particularly regarding the bans imposed on political parties. He argued that if the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is permitted to operate freely, then similar restrictions on other political parties should be lifted. “If the RSS is allowed to function as a political entity, then restrictions on other political parties should also be removed. Government employees should be allowed to join political parties and participate in political activities,” Abdullah asserted, advocating for a fair and level playing field in the political domain.

NC Leaders To Discuss Strategy For Jammu And Kashmir Assembly Polls

July 4, 2024, 12:36 pm

National Conference’s two-day working committee meeting is currently underway in Jammu and Kashmir to strategize for the upcoming assembly elections, likely scheduled for September or October this year. Former Chief Minister and party president Farooq Abdullah is leading the session, with senior leaders including Omar Abdullah in attendance.

“The working committee meeting is in progress and will continue for another day. Discussions are focused on core competencies and future courses of action,” stated party chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq.

Key agenda items include assessing the current political landscape, strengthening the organization, and preparing for the assembly elections. Sources indicate that party leaders are deliberating on strategies to maximize seats in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the National Conference performed well by securing two seats but lost in Baramulla, where Vice-President Omar Abdullah was a candidate. The party remains optimistic about its electoral prospects, especially in Kashmir, despite earlier aspirations to win all three seats as part of the Opposition INDIA bloc.

The Supreme Court previously directed the Election Commission of India and the Centre to conduct elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September. Currently, the ECI is revising electoral rolls across all 20 districts of the Union Territory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also confirmed preparations for the assembly polls during his recent visit to Srinagar.

Besides the National Conference, other political parties are actively engaged in preparing for the upcoming assembly polls.

PM Modi chairs second National Conference of Chief Secretaries

January 6, 2023, 1:04 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing the second National Conference of Chief Secretaries. It will focus on achieving rapid and sustained economic growth in partnership with the states.