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Won’t contest election for NC chief post: Farooq
NC leaders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Farooq Abdullah informed the party of his decision, citing health concerns
Srinagar: National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah on Friday announced his decision not to contest the upcoming party presidential election, triggering widespread speculation that his son, Omar, who is currently the party’s vice-president, is likely to succeed him.
“I will not be contesting for the post of president any longer. The elections for the post will be held on December 5. It is time for the new generation to take over the responsibilities,” the former chief minister told news agency PTI.
“Anyone from the party can contest for the post. It is a democratic exercise,” he added.
NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said Farooq was adamant not to review his decision even as his party colleagues tried to convince him to continue. In a statement, he said the party’s general secretary has been tasked with completing the election process on December 5. “Until that time… (Farooq) continues as president of the party,” the statement said.
While the immediate reason behind his decision is not yet clear, party functionaries close to the 85-year-old said it was due to health concerns.
“He will keep guiding the party leaders. He is the most respected leader in the party. Whether he remains the president or not, he is the party’s tallest leader,” a NC leader said, seeking anonymity.
In recent years, Farooq has proven to be a strong voice of the NC and other traditional mainstream parties following the abrogation of Article 370 that gave special status to J&K and bifurcation of the state into two Union territories on August 5, 2019. He was also detained and booked under the Public Safety Act by the administration amid fears of protests. The Supreme Court also heard a petition against his “illegal detention”.
Besides serving as NC president, Farooq is heading a five-party alliance – People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) – seeking restoration of Article 370. It is not immediately clear whether he will continue to lead the PAGD.
Party leaders, however, said Farooq will continue to play an active role in party affairs.
“For everybody, it was a surprise when Farooq Abdullah announced that he will not contest the election for party president. And once Farooq Abdullah takes any decision, it’s very difficult to convince him to take it back due to his temperament,” a second senior NC leader said.
“I hope Farooq sahib will continue to play an active role in the activities of the party,” he added.
With the NC being out of power since 2014, the party is hoping to revive itself in the Union territory’s first assembly elections since August 2019. While the dates are yet to be announced, party leaders said they are relying on Farooq’s leadership as he is also respected by his opponents.
In the last six months, Farooq travelled to remote areas of J&K and held rallies in a bid to revive the party’s fortunes. He also held rallies in Warwan Valley, one of the remote parts of Kashmir, sending a strong message on his willingness to lead the cadres even as an octogenarian with health issues, party functionaries said.
Sadiq said Farooq’s role in the party will remain as significant as was during his term as president. “He is the most charismatic leader of J&K and the country and will always take part in the party activities,” he said.
“Farooq Abdullah is the only leader in NC or mainstream who holds sway in the entire J&K and is liked by both young and old,” political analyst Ishfaq Ahmad said.
“For the NC, he is a binding force between the leadership and cadres. That’s why the PAGD also chose him to lead them in the difficult phase of mainstream politics,” he added.
