NC's Farooq Abdullah laughs off question about contesting J&K polls: 'I will not answer it'

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah dodged a question on whether he will contest the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir, saying that "he won't answer it".

"It's better if you don't me ask me this question. I will not answer it," a smiling Farooq told reporters when asked whether he will be contesting the elections or sees himself becoming the chief minister again.

The former J&K chief minister had earlier said that he will lead the party in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, which will be held in three phases from September 18 to October 1.

Farooq decided to spearhead the party after his son Omar Abdullah declared that he will not contest the elections until J&K's statehood is restored.

Though there are indications that Omar may heed the party's call and contest the elections, no formal announcement has been made yet.

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: When asked if he will contest J&K Assembly elections, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah candidly says, "...It's better if you don't me ask me this question. I will not answer it..." pic.twitter.com/Nn6bT8OLEc

ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2024

Earlier today, Farooq said that the talks for an alliance with Congress "are on track" and expressed hope that an announcement will be made soon.

After discussions with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Farooq Abdullah said: "The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. The alliance is on track and it will go on well with God's grace...It is final, it will be approved by this evening...This (alliance) has been done on all 90 seats."

Speaking about forming a possible pre-or-post poll alliance with PDP, Abdullah said: "We do not know. Let us first go through the poll, then we will look into these things. No doors are closed for anyone."