Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed disappointment on Thursday over the lack of clarity regarding the leadership and long-term agenda of the INDIA bloc. He suggested that the alliance should be dissolved if it is solely intended for parliamentary elections, emphasizing the need for a collective strategy for state and assembly elections.
“There was no time limit set for the INDIA bloc when it was formed. If this alliance is meant only for parliamentary elections, then it should be wound up, and we can work independently. However, if it is intended to cover assembly elections as well, all members need to convene and plan collectively,” Abdullah said, addressing reporters here.
Responding to a recent remark by an RJD leader suggesting that the bloc was limited to Lok Sabha elections, Abdullah said, “As far as I remember, no such restriction was discussed. The real issue is the absence of any meeting to clarify the alliance’s goals and leadership.” He stressed the need for post-election discussions, particularly after the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, to decide the bloc’s future trajectory.
On the Delhi elections and growing support for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Abdullah maintained a neutral stance. “We are not involved in the Delhi polls. It is up to AAP, Congress, and other local parties to strategize and counter the BJP effectively. AAP has succeeded twice before; now, we wait to see what the people of Delhi decide,” he remarked. Abdullah also highlighted the importance of preparing newly elected legislators in Jammu and Kashmir as the Assembly held an orientation program on Thursday.
“The system has changed since Jammu and Kashmir was a state. We must familiarize ourselves with the current powers and procedures of the Assembly,” he explained. The orientation session, organized by the Speaker, featured participation from the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Abdullah noted that the initiative aimed to equip legislators with the knowledge needed to represent people effectively. “The experience shared by senior members will help MLAs raise public issues more robustly in future sessions,” he said.
Abdullah’s remarks underscored the urgency of defining the INDIA bloc’s vision and the necessity of a focused approach to both state and national politics, ensuring the alliance remains relevant and united in its objectives.