Omar Abdullah Says INDIA Bloc's Future Uncertain, Urges Strategy Session for Delhi Polls

"If we continue on this path of division, it won't bode well for the future of the INDIA Bloc," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah reiterated his call for a 'strategy shift' within the INDIA bloc, stressing that this must happen in a time-bound manner. Failing to do so, he warned, would defeat the purpose of the alliance.

"If we continue on this path of division, it won't bode well for the future of the INDIA Bloc," he said.

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The National Conference, led by the father-son duo of Farooq and Omar Abdullah, remains one of the crucial constituents of the INDIA alliance. However, the party has thus far remained 'neutral' in the Delhi elections, unlike other allies such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Samajwadi Party (SP), which have openly endorsed and campaigned for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) while distancing themselves from Congress.

Speaking to the press, Omar Abdullah expressed support for the Kejriwal-led AAP, suggesting that it might have an edge in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. However, he was cautious in predicting the outcome.

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"Let the election happen, and the results will reveal the truth. After that, we'll analyze the situation. It is possible that AAP could win the Delhi Assembly polls again this time. But we cannot predict the future—let's see what happens," he said.

Omar Abdullah also addressed the growing rift within the INDIA Bloc, particularly between Congress and AAP, which were erstwhile allies but are now contesting the Delhi elections separately.

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He called for unity within the opposition alliance, saying, "I've said this before, and I'll say it again: there's a need for a discussion on strategy within the INDIA Bloc. If we continue like this, it won't be good for the country. We came together to challenge the BJP, but we weren't entirely successful in doing so. Still, the number of Opposition leaders in Parliament has grown. If we continue down this path of division, it won't bode well for the future of the INDIA Bloc. After the Delhi elections, we'll try to hold a meeting to address these issues."

On the Union Budget 2025, Omar Abdullah gave a mixed assessment. He acknowledged that the announced income tax relief could benefit the middle class but stressed that its success would depend on its effective implementation.

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"Income tax relief is a good step, and it could benefit the middle class. However, the real test lies in its implementation. If executed as promised, it will indeed help those who need it the most."

With just days remaining for the Delhi Assembly election, all 70 seats will witness a high-stakes battle between AAP, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress. The fate of 1.56 crore voters will be sealed on February 5, and the result is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape of the national capital.

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