National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah said instead of fighting, his party wants to collaborate with the Centre to resolve the issues facing Jammu and Kashmir. "We don’t want to engage in battles. Those who want to fight can do so," he said. He said there is a need for dialogue and cooperation.
He called on the Centre to prioritise the needs of the people rather than engaging in bickering. He urged the authorities to hire teachers, doctors, and paramedics to improve public services in schools and hospitals.
Responding to allegations about his son, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, being labelled a "New Delhi man", Abdullah said Omar acts independently as an elected chief minister. “Those who are under this misunderstanding should come out of it," he said.
He said the NC has no connection with the Bharatiya Janata Party, stressing the importance of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood for a stable governance.
Meanwhile, Omar expressed frustration over the INDIA bloc’s lack of direction and clarity. Speaking at an event, he said no meetings are being held to decide the future of the alliance. He said if the alliance was created only for the Lok Sabha elections, it should be dissolved. “If the alliance intends to work together for assembly elections as well, its leaders must sit together and form a collective strategy,” he said.
Omar has faced criticism from party MP Syed Agha Ruhullah Mehdi for not being vocal in his demands about Jammu and Kashmir with the Centre. Mehdi has warned that Omar risked being seen as Delhi’s representative in Kashmir if he doesn't fight for the restoration of Article 370 and statehood.
The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and People’s Conference (PC) have lent support to Mehdi.
After taking over Omar has regularly met the BJP leaders in New Delhi for support, especially financial, for smooth governance. He has also asked his MLAs and ministers to avoid confrontation with the BJP and wait for the restoration of the statehood.