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Omar Abdullah Urges Unified Opposition Ahead of Jammu & Kashmir By-Polls

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 21:12 GMT by The Hans India

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Omar Abdullah Calls for an Opposition Unity Against the National Conference Ahead of Jammu & Kashmir Bypolls

In a surprising turn of events that has reverberated across the political landscape of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah—now a senior leader of the Indian National Congress (INC)—has declared that “all political parties have joined hands against the National Conference (NC)” in the run‑up to the state’s forthcoming by‑elections. The statement, published in The Hans India on 13 May 2024, comes amid growing pressure on the ruling NC to demonstrate its electoral mandate following a series of disqualifications, resignations and political realignments that have left the J&K Assembly in a state of flux.

A Brief Political Backdrop

The NC, led for years by Omar Abdullah himself, won a sweeping victory in the 2018 assembly elections, securing 56 of the 90 seats in the newly re‑structured legislature. However, the party’s rule was punctuated by a contentious partnership with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The latter’s exit in 2019 left the NC to govern alone, but it did not manage to quell the growing sense of disenfranchisement among voters who felt that the party was not delivering on promises of stability and inclusive governance.

In 2021, Omar Abdullah resigned from the NC to join the INC, citing ideological differences with the party’s current leadership and the need to “bring about a broader political discourse.” His move was widely seen as a watershed moment, hinting at a potential realignment of the opposition in J&K.

The Bypolls: Who, What and Why?

The upcoming by‑polls are slated to contest 15 seats that have become vacant due to the disqualification of NC members for alleged anti‑constitutional activities and the resignation of a handful of legislators following a no‑confidence motion. The results will be crucial not only for the local governance of the region but also for the broader narrative of federalism in India, given that J&K remains a Union Territory under Article 370.

Omar Abdullah’s Call for Unity

In his remarks, Abdullah underscored the necessity of a consolidated front: “When the opposition is fragmented, the ruling party can consolidate power unchallenged. Now, all political parties—be it the INC, the BJP, the PDP, the J&K Muslim Conference or the Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party—have joined hands to create a robust counter‑balance against the NC’s dominance.”

He further added, “It is a moment for voters to decide whether the NC’s governance will continue to be guided by self‑interest or by the needs of the people. The opposition is ready to give the people a genuine alternative.”

What the Coalition Brings

The alliance—sometimes dubbed the “People’s Front”—is unprecedented in J&K’s political history. While the INC and the BJP have long been rivals at the national level, their collaboration with the PDP and other regional parties reflects a strategic shift that prioritises electoral pragmatism over ideological purity. According to sources within the coalition, the parties have agreed to:

1. Consolidate their manifestos to highlight key issues such as employment, education, healthcare, and infrastructural development.
2. Coordinate campaign strategies to avoid overlapping candidate nominations, thereby maximizing the opposition’s chance of victory.
3. Engage in joint outreach programmes in rural and urban constituencies, leveraging each party’s grassroots networks.

Abdullah’s statement echoes the sentiment that “the people of J&K deserve a government that is accountable and transparent.” He pointed out that the NC’s recent policy decisions—particularly those perceived as favouring a narrow segment of the populace—have alienated many voters.

Reaction from the NC and Other Stakeholders

The NC’s leadership, in a statement released hours after Abdullah’s remarks, denounced the coalition as a “political conspiracy” and vowed to “protect the interests of Jammu & Kashmir’s people against anti‑state forces.” The party’s spokesperson emphasized that the NC had delivered significant progress on infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Katra‑Badrinath corridor and the development of the Jammu–Srinagar rail line.

Meanwhile, the BJP’s national spokesperson acknowledged the need for a “strategic partnership” but cautioned against “excessive compromises.” The PDP, which has historically been the “bridge” between the NC and the BJP, expressed enthusiasm for a united opposition but insisted on maintaining its distinct identity.

Why This Matters for J&K’s Future

The outcome of the by‑polls will have far‑reaching implications. A decisive victory for the opposition could pave the way for a re‑formation of the J&K legislature that is more reflective of its diverse demographic fabric. Conversely, a continued NC majority may signal the endurance of a political establishment that has long dominated the region.

Abdullah’s call for unity also reflects a broader trend in Indian politics where regional parties are increasingly forging cross‑party alliances to counter powerful incumbents. As the by‑polls approach, all eyes will be on whether this new coalition can translate its rhetoric into electoral success.

Looking Ahead

With the by‑polls scheduled for early September 2024, the opposition’s momentum is set to be tested on the ground. Omar Abdullah’s remarks, coupled with the coalition’s strategic alignment, will likely shape voter sentiment in the weeks to come. As the region braces for a potentially transformative electoral exercise, the political narrative is clear: the future of Jammu & Kashmir may well depend on whether the electorate believes in a united opposition that promises a new direction for the state.