J&K: “Will not join BJP, people’s decision more important”: Independent MLA Mohd Akaram

Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 10 (ANI): Independent MLA from the Poonch’s Surankote asembly seat, Chowdhury Mohd Akaram said on Thursday that he will not join the Bharatiya Janata Party at any cost, adding that many parties have approached him but he has not decided yet to join any of them.

Akaram told ANI, “I contested independently after I was not given a ticket by the National Conference. A Congress candidate was given the election ticket. Seeing the support of the people, I felt that I did not need any mandate.”

“Many parties have approached me but I have not spoken to my people and the core committee. I have not decided yet but come what may I will not join BJP. I will try talking to other like-minded parties, but people’s decision will be more important for me,” MLA Mohd Akaram said.

In Jammu and Kashmir National Conference-Congress alliance secured an absolute majority in the Union Territory by winning 49 seats, with the former taking 42 and the latter 6 seats.

Earlier on Wednesday National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah said that whenever a government is formed in Jammu and Kashmir, it should pass a resolution and begin talks with the union government to restore the region’s statehood.

“Once the government is formed, it should pass a resolution and then engage in talks with the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and other ministers in Delhi,” he stated.

He further emphasized that they would make every effort to work harmoniously with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) for the benefit of the people.

Farooq Abdullah announced that party Vice President Omar Abdullah would be the next Chief Minister. Omar Abdullah expressed his gratitude but emphasised that the final decision rests with the legislators and the alliance.

Ninety seats went to the polls in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls. The BJP also put up a strong performance, winning 29 seats.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP secured three seats, while Sajad Gani Lone’s People’s Conference and Aam Aadmi Party won one seat each. CPI(M) also won one seat. Independents won seven seats. BJP got 25.64 per cent vote share followed by the National Conference with 23.43 per cent and Congress with 11.97 per cent.

This was the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and its bifurcation into two Union Territories.