National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed disappointment over the lack of support within the INDIA bloc regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. He urged the opposition alliance to transform itself from a mere electoral pact into a cohesive political entity that addresses critical national issues.
Abdullah's Remarks on Alliance Inaction
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said that while the INDIA bloc was formed to challenge the ruling party, it has failed to take a strong stand on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. He noted that the region has been without statehood since August 2019, when the central government abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the state into two union territories.
"The INDIA bloc was created with great hopes, but it has not shown the necessary resolve on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. We need more than just an electoral understanding; we need a shared vision for the country's future," Abdullah said.
Call for Frequent Meetings
The National Conference leader called for more frequent meetings of the alliance to discuss issues that have been "ignored" in the national discourse. He emphasized that the future of the nation, including the political status of Jammu and Kashmir, should be a priority for all opposition parties.
"We cannot afford to overlook the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The alliance must meet regularly and formulate a common strategy to address these issues," he added.
Abdullah's remarks come ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which are expected to be held later this year. The National Conference has been a vocal advocate for the restoration of statehood, arguing that it is essential for the region's democratic governance and development.
The INDIA bloc, which includes major opposition parties like the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and DMK, has yet to issue a formal response to Abdullah's comments. However, sources within the alliance indicate that internal differences over the issue have prevented a unified stance.
