Farooq Abdullah to step down as chief of National Conference in Dec, will stay PAGD head

Farooq is believed to have informed colleagues of his decision not to contest for another term as the party president in a meeting of the party’s district presidents and constituency in-charges on Thursday.

“In spite of the best efforts of senior colleagues, Dr Sahib (Farooq) was adamant he wouldn’t review his decision. In light of this sudden announcement which has caught everyone by surprise, the party general secretary, as per the party constitution, has been tasked with conducting the election for party president, which will be completed on 5th December,” the NC said.

The party expects to complete the process of the election of a new president on its founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s birth anniversary on December 5. Until then, Farooq will continue as the president. Omar Abdullah, currently serving as the party’s vice-president, is expected to be elected as the party’s new president.

“I will not be contesting for the post of president any longer. The elections for the post will be held on December 5. It is time for the new generation to take over the responsibilities,” Farooq was quoted by PTI as saying. “Anyone from the party can contest for the post. It is a democratic exercise.”

He will, however, continue to head the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, an alliance of five parties that came together in August 2019 to challenge the revocation of J&K’s special status. “Yes, I will continue to lead the alliance,” Farooq told PTI.