Avinash Azad
Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Chief Dr. Farooq Abdullah has issued a stern warning against potential interference by the Lieutenant Governor in the formation of the new government.
The veteran politician’s comments come on the eve of vote counting, scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, which is expected to shape the region’s political future.
Speaking to journalists at his residence, Dr. Abdullah expressed strong opposition to reports suggesting that the Lieutenant Governor might nominate five MLAs. “LG sahib should keep himself away from these things,” he asserted, emphasizing that an elected government is set to take shape following the vote count. In a move that underscores the gravity of the situation, Dr. Abdullah declared, “If LG intervenes, we will go to the Supreme Court against the move.”
The former Chief Minister’s words reflect a growing tension between appointed administrators and elected representatives in the region. “No more Lord Sahib is required,” Dr. Abdullah stated emphatically, arguing that an elected government should be allowed to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir without interference. He warned that any intervention by the LG administration in the affairs of an elected government would “defeat the purpose of elections and the popular government in place.”
Despite the challenges, Dr. Abdullah expressed confidence in his alliance’s prospects. “We are confident of reaching the majority mark to form the government,” he said, while also extending an olive branch to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), noting that they share a “common cause.”
Addressing the recent exit polls, the NC Chief maintained a cautious stance. “Exit polls can be wrong, so I don’t rely on them,” he remarked, reminding everyone that only a few hours remained until the actual vote count.
Nevertheless, he reiterated his alliance’s optimism, stating, “We are confident that we are leading comfortably to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir.” As the region stands on the brink of a potentially significant political shift, Dr. Abdullah’s statements have set the stage for what could be a contentious post-election scenario.
With promises of legal action and calls for administrative non-interference, the coming days are likely to be crucial in shaping the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
