NC, alliance partner Congress set to form next government in J-K: Omar Abdullah

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah on Monday exuded confidence that his party along with its coalition partner Congress is all set to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing an election rally in support of party candidate Sajjad Shaheen in this assembly segment of Ramban district, Abdullah lashed out at Congress candidate and former minister Vikar Rasool Wani and also criticised the BJP and PDP, accusing them of destroying the erstwhile state. “When we cobbled an alliance with the Congress, we tried to reach an agreement on seat-sharing.

There was an issue over some seats and both sides were rigid and the situation reached a point when we felt it (alliance) is not going to happen. “But the coalition was worked out and we reached an agreement on most of the seats which we are now fighting together,” the former chief minister said at an election rally in the Khari area of Banihal. However, like Banihal, there are some seats where both parties are having a friendly contest, the National Conference (NC) vice president said. “Come October 8 (when counting of votes will take place), you will see NC and our alliance partner forming the next government in Jammu and Kashmir... We do not believe in intimidating people or using official machinery but the day is not far when this unnecessary harassment will be over,” Omar said.

He criticised Wani, former J&K president and minister, for his remarks against the NC at a public meeting and said though he has decided not to speak about the rival candidates, his utterances cannot be brushed aside. “He is talking bad about our leadership, our party flag and even our party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. I want to ask him about his praises for us when I was sitting beside him campaigning for the Congress MP candidate through this town some two months back.