“Whenever they get power, elections become halal for National Conference”: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 30 (ANI): PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti took a jibe at National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah and alleged that whenever they get power, elections become halal for the National Conference and when they lose power, elections become haram for them and this era of political convenience was started by them.

Mehbooba Mufti said, “When they get power, elections become halal for the National Conference and when they lose power, elections become haram for them.”

She added that when Jamaat-e-Islami contested the polls in 1987, NC didn’t want any competition and committed irregularities.

“I am surprised that the National Conference considers J&K as its empire… In 1987, the National Conference committed irregularities in elections because they did not want any third force to come forward as they had formed alliance with Congress. If Jamaat-e-Islami wants to contest elections, it is a good thing. The government should lift the ban, all their institutions, properties that you have frozen, seized, should be de-frozen, they should be returned. This is a fight for jamhuriyat (democracy),” the PDP Chief said.

Earlier, National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah defended his decision to contest the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, stating that the goal is to present a united front against the BJP and minimize their seats.

Speaking to journalists, Omar also said that the alliance was definitely needed in Jammu, including in Pir Panjal, and Chenab. 

“Our efforts are meant to have a united front against the BJP and we make sure that they win as few seats as possible”, he said.

He criticised those making allegations, pointing out that they have relatives contesting elections.

“The people who are putting these allegations on me, they themselves have their relatives standing for the elections. If they are so strict on their principles, then they should have been completely out of this. What is the use of being out yourself while fielding your relatives as candidates?” said Omar.

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. Jammu and Kashmir is expected to witness multi-cornered contests on most seats.

It is the first assembly poll since the abrogation of Article 370. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday issued the notification for the filing of nomination papers by the candidates for the second phase of assembly elections in J-K. As many as 26 assembly constituencies will go to polls in the second phase of elections.