Everything is in the manifesto: Farooq Abdullah on diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan

PULWAMA: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said on Tuesday that the Congress-National Conference alliance will get success in the upcoming assembly polls.

When asked if his party, if elected, would push the Centre to resume talks with Pakistan, Farooq responded, “Sab manifesto mein hai…” (everything is in the manifesto).

“This time, people are in a very good mood. The National Conference and Congress will have a very good (performance), and we will achieve success,” he added.

In their election manifesto, the PDP promised efforts to restore Articles 370 and 35A, pursue diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan, and ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley.

The President of the JKPCC (Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee), Tariq Hameed Karra, said that this unity is not just about numbers and constituencies but about the shared motive and intention of alleviating the people’s suffering.

“It is visible how tense the BJP is with this unity (INDIA alliance)” Tariq said.

Earlier today, National Conference Vice President, Omar Abdullah, said that together with Congress, they aim to present a united front against the BJP.

“Today is the last day to file nominations for the first phase. We have given our manifesto and roadmap. We have decided on a seat-sharing agreement with Congress. We aim to fight against the BJP like a consolidated front so that the possibility of success increases further. We regret that in the seat-sharing some people were left out who wanted to contest in these elections,” he said.

The National Conference (NC) will contest 51 of 90 seats and Congress 32 according to the seat-sharing pact reached by the two parties for the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The two parties will also have a “friendly contest” on five seats.

The two parties have left one seat each for CPI(M) and Panthers Party.

The National Conference announced its list of 18 candidates, while the Congress announced its first list of nine candidates.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 4.

Voting will be held for 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Election Commission, the Union Territory has 88.06 lakh electors. (ANI)