Amid ongoing speculation about potential alliances and strategies for government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah expressed optimism on Tuesday. He conveyed his hopes for a positive result from the assembly elections, stating, “Here’s wishing all my colleagues and allies the very best of luck for today. We fought the good fight & now, InshaAllah, the results will reflect that.”
Clarifies Position on PDP Support
Addressing rumors of potential support from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Omar Abdullah earlier clarified that no formal offer of support had been made by the PDP. This comment followed his father, Farooq Abdullah’s, remarks suggesting that the National Conference-Congress alliance may take PDP support even if it wasn’t necessary.
“They haven’t extended support, they haven’t offered support, and we don’t know what the voters have decided yet. I really wish we could put a lid on all this premature speculation for the next 24 hours,” Omar posted on X.
Voter Turnout and Election Context
The Election Commission of India reported a 63.88% overall voter turnout in the three-phase Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the first held since the abrogation of Article 370. The third phase on October 1 saw a 69.69% voter turnout, while the first and second phases recorded 61.38% and 57.31%, respectively.
The National Conference and Congress contested the elections as partners in the INDIA alliance, while the PDP and BJP ran separately. Notably, voter participation increased in areas traditionally affected by militancy. Pulwama saw a 12.97% rise in voter turnout compared to 2014, with similar increases in Shopian and Srinagar, signaling growing trust in the democratic process.