National Conference Vice President and former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that his party is prepared for the Union Territory Assembly elections expected in September. Speaking from his residence on Gupkar Road, Abdullah shared insights in an interview with Naveed Iqbal and P Vaidyanathan Iyer.

Reflecting on the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah acknowledged that certain changes in the region may now be irreversible. However, he emphasized his discontent with the current political setup in J&K, saying, “I can’t imagine being in a position where I have to ask the Lieutenant Governor to pick my peon… sitting outside, waiting for him to sign the file.”

Abdullah highlighted the frustrations and challenges of operating within a system where key decisions are centralized under the Lieutenant Governor’s office, leaving elected representatives with limited authority. He pointed out that the erosion of Article 370 has fundamentally altered the political landscape of J&K, but insisted that the fight for restoring the rights and dignity of the people continues.

Abdullah also expressed concern over the lack of democratic processes in the region and reiterated his party’s commitment to restoring a fully functional Assembly that genuinely represents the will of the people. Despite the challenges posed by the new administrative structure, Abdullah affirmed that the National Conference is ready to contest the upcoming elections and continue its mission of advocating for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.