Farooq Abdullah's National Conference to go solo in Lok Sabha polls latest blow to INDIA bloc

Farooq Abdullah was recently summoned by the ED in connection with an alleged cricket scam.

Updated on: Feb 15, 2024, 16:16:56 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah announced on Thursday that his party would independently contest all seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference MP Farooq Abdullah (PTI)

Speaking at a press conference, NC leader Farooq Abdullah said, “As far as seat sharing is concerned, NC will contest alone and there’s no doubt about it”. The announcement incidentally came days after Farooq Abdullah was summoned by the ED in connection with an alleged cricket scam.

On being asked about the elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said, "I think that elections in both states will be held with the parliamentary elections."

READ | ED summons Farooq Abdullah for questioning in money laundering case

The three-term former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir has been a staunch supporter of the INDIA bloc, regularly participating in all opposition alliance meetings.

However, Abdullah voiced concerns last month regarding the absence of consensus regarding seat-sharing arrangements within the India bloc. In an interview with senior advocate Kapil Sibal for Sibal's YouTube channel, Abdullah emphasized the necessity of reaching an agreement swiftly, asserting, "To safeguard the nation, we must set aside our disagreements and prioritize the country's welfare."

Congress reaction

Reacting to Farooq Abdullah's statement that the National Conference will contest the elections alone, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, “Talks are going on. Every party has their own limitations. National Conference and PDP have been a part of the INDIA bloc, and will continue to remain so.”

This is another blow to the INDIA bloc as AAP and Trinamool Congress already are unsteady in their commitment to the alliance. AAP said it will not form an alliance with the Congress in Punjab while Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee said TMC's seat-sharing talks with the Congress were not going well.

(With inputs from agencies)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.