Srinagar: PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti took a sharp dig at National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah, accusing the NC of adopting a selective approach to elections based on their hold on power. She alleged that the NC considers elections "halal" when they are in power but deems them "haram" when they are out of power, implying that the party's stance on elections is driven by political convenience.

Mehbooba Mufti remarked, "When they get power, elections become halal for the National Conference, and when they lose power, elections become haram for them." She further criticized the NC for alleged electoral irregularities in 1987 when Jamaat-e-Islami contested the polls, claiming that the NC didn't want any competition at that time. Expressing surprise at what she described as the NC's imperial attitude toward Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti argued that the government should lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, return their seized properties, and allow them to participate in the democratic process.

In response, Omar Abdullah defended his party's decision to contest the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. He emphasized the importance of presenting a united front against the BJP to minimize their influence in the region. He also criticized those accusing him of hypocrisy, pointing out that some of his critics have relatives running in the elections. The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, set to be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, mark the first such polls since the abrogation of Article 370. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notification for the filing of nomination papers for the second phase, in which 26 assembly constituencies will be contested. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 4.

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