Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced apprehensions about the future of the INDIA bloc as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leads in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh in the ongoing state assembly elections. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Abdullah suggested that if the current trend persists, the opposition alliance may struggle to secure victories.
“Judging the results of the INDIA alliance in the state elections, if the situation is like this in the future, we cannot win,” remarked Omar Abdullah, emphasizing the challenges faced by the opposition alliance.
Abdullah acknowledged the unexpected success of the BJP in the elections, especially in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. He noted that the Congress, despite its claims, only managed to secure a victory in Telangana. “BJP should be congratulated because we were not expecting this result,” he added.
Reflecting on the Congress’ performance, Abdullah highlighted the party’s inability to fulfill its allies’ expectations in various states. He remarked, “Neither could they save Chhattisgarh, nor win back Madhya Pradesh nor could they win in Rajasthan again.”
Commenting on the BJP’s dominance in Madhya Pradesh, Abdullah noted the party’s significant presence over the past two decades. “This is BJP’s fifth term. This is huge,” he stated.
Regarding the future of the INDIA bloc, Abdullah mentioned an upcoming meeting on December 6, where Congress chief leaders have invited INDIA alliance members for lunch. “They recalled the INDIA alliance after three months. Let’s see,” he said.
Abdullah also criticized the Congress for not strategically allocating seats to its INDIA bloc partner, the Samajwadi Party, in Madhya Pradesh. “Either the Congress has not been able to understand the ground situation in Madhya Pradesh. What harm could have happened if they had given 5-7 seats to Akhilesh Yadav? What storm could have blown? What have they won now? The results are in front of everyone now,” he remarked.
Responding to queries about his party’s participation in future state assembly elections with the INDIA bloc, Abdullah clarified that the National Conference (NC) would be standing on its own.
As per current trends, the Congress has been successful in consolidating its position in Telangana, while the BJP appears to be emerging victorious in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.
