Srinagar: Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of the National Conference, has submitted his second nomination to contest the upcoming assembly elections from the Budgam constituency. The announcement was made by the National Conference, confirming Abdullah's candidacy.
Accompanied by senior party leaders, including Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, Aga Mehmood, party treasurer Shammi Oberoi, and provincial secretary Shaukat Mir, Abdullah filed his nomination amidst significant political activity. In his brief address to the people, he emphasized the need to reclaim their identity and prepare for challenges posed by the BJP, which he claims will attempt to divide and weaken their vote base. Earlier, Abdullah had filed a nomination from his traditional stronghold of Ganderbal. In an emotional appeal, he had expressed, "My honour, my turban are in your hands."
In the 2014 assembly elections, Abdullah secured a victory from the Beerwah constituency. However, he was defeated in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls by independent candidate Engineer Rashid from Baramulla. Initially, Abdullah had stated that he would not participate in the assembly elections but reversed his decision at the last moment. In an interview, he explained his change of stance, asserting, "If I believe I am a leader of the National Conference, then I must lead."
He further stated that it would be "hypocritical" to suggest that people should vote for an assembly he himself did not believe in. Despite its flaws, Abdullah argued that the assembly is still a better platform compared to the current situation and could play a role in restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. The elections for the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are scheduled to be held on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the counting of votes set for October 8.
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