Jammu, Nov 8 (UNI) Asserting that the Peoples’ Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) has been received well in Jammu, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that he did not see any possibility of Assembly polls soon in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I do not see any possibility of elections very soon,” Mr Abdullah replied to a question regarding participation in the elections to the Legislative Assembly to the media persons at the sidelines of his visit to the residence of Late Thakur Rachpal Singh to convey condolences to his bereaved family.
“Hadn’t there been the delimitation commission, there would have been some possibility of holding the elections to the assembly,” said Mr Abdullah.
He said that the Delimitation Commission has not probably met so far due to COVID-19, adding, “the Commission has to deliberate, carry out field visits and prepare a report for submission to the government.”
He however, also declared that the alliance is on wider reach out mode and wants to listen to all, including those having contrarian views on various issues like Article 370 and 35A.
“We are ready to meet even the BJP notwithstanding the fact the party was not acceding to our demand on restoration of Article 370”, Mr Abdullah.
He said that the Alliance is open to listen to contrarian views on the very important issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
Flanked by Provincial President Devender Singh Rana, he said a very good response is forthcoming from the people to the PAGD as over 26 delegations have met the leaders.
The purpose of the reach out is to meet every section of society, which is currently underway satisfactorily.
Had the purpose been to meet only the like-minded people then that could have been done in the Valley itself, he said, adding that the larger objective is to meet whoever wants, even if they don’t subscribe to what the Alliance is standing for.
To a question, Mr Abdullah regretted the expulsion of Prof Bhim Singh from Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party for meeting the alliance leaders.
He said Prof Singh might be comfortable with revocation of Article 35A but he wants certain changes to Article 370 and he has a view.
Mr Abdullah said the Peoples’ Alliance had unanimously decided on Saturday to participate in the upcoming District Development Council elections and accordingly announced the decision.
To repeated questions on the remarks of the PDP President about Tricolour, Mr Abdullah quipped, “She has already clarified her party’s position”.
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