NC will join third front, says Farooq Abdullah

NC's patron Farooq Abdullah has said that his party would join the third front to consolidate secular and progressive forces in the country.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said his party would join the third front to "consolidate secular and progressive forces" in the country.

Addressing a series of election meetings in Hiranagar and Kathua, Abdullah said the process for formation of the third front has already been started. Consultations were on with leaders of INLD, SAD and BSP in this regard, he added.

"We will not join the Congress-led front or the NDA, but will support those forces which are committed to solve the basic problems of the masses," he said adding the third front will play a decisive role in the formation of the next government at the Centre.

Accusing the ruling PDP for misusing the state apparatus to "terrorise" National Conference workers, Dr Abdullah apprehended that the ruling party might resort to booth capturing during polling in Anantnag on May 5.

He claimed the PDP-led coalition government would collapse without completing its full term due to infighting within constituents. The NC would form a stable government in the state with fresh mandate of the people, he added.