In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, National Conference (NC) President and sitting Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Farooq Abdullah, has announced his decision not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections due to health reasons. The announcement was made by his son and NC Vice President, Omar Abdullah, at a party function held in Rawalpora, on the outskirts of Srinagar.
Omar Abdullah conveyed that his father, Farooq Abdullah, had sought permission from the party’s leadership, including General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, to abstain from contesting the polls this time, citing health concerns. He stressed the party’s commitment to fielding the most competent candidate from the Srinagar constituency, expressing hope that voters would rally behind the chosen candidate to ensure effective representation in Delhi.
Farooq Abdullah’s decision marks a notable departure from his longstanding political career, which has seen him serve as a prominent figure in Jammu and Kashmir politics. Despite health challenges, he has been an active participant in state and national affairs, previously holding ministerial portfolios at the Centre.
The 2002 Legislative Assembly elections saw Omar Abdullah take the reins of the NC leadership, while Farooq Abdullah shifted focus to national politics. Farooq Abdullah’s parliamentary journey includes stints in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, where he has represented the Srinagar constituency.
In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Farooq Abdullah faced defeat at the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Tariq Hameed Karra. However, a by-election in 2017 following Karra’s resignation saw Abdullah reclaim the Srinagar parliamentary seat, defeating the PDP’s Nazir Ahmed Khan. He secured victory again in the 2019 polls.
Omar Abdullah acknowledged the unique circumstances surrounding the upcoming parliamentary elections, noting the absence of factors like boycott calls or significant security concerns that had previously impacted voter turnout in Srinagar. He urged residents to actively engage in the political process, emphasizing the importance of choosing their representatives and voicing their concerns through democratic means.
Farooq Abdullah’s decision not to contest underscores the changing dynamics in Kashmiri politics and the NC’s efforts to ensure continued representation and effective governance in the region. As the party prepares to nominate a successor for the Srinagar constituency, all eyes are on the upcoming elections and the role voters will play in shaping the region’s political future.
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