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Though the Election Commission is yet to decide the dates for the Jammu & Kashmir assembly election, political parties in the state are gearing up for the contest.
The ruling National Conference, which has a clear edge over its rivals, is preparing to go to the polls under the leadership of newly installed president Omar Abdullah.
Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who had earlier announced that his son would take over the reins if the party were voted back to power, is also preparing to contest the election.
"While Dr Abdullah will contest from Ganderbal, Omar Abdullah is likely to contest the Sonawar seat," Ali Mohammed Naiyk, Lok Sabha member from Anantnag, told rediff.com
Asked if this would not be contrary to the expectations that Dr Abdullah would hand over the reins to his son, Naiyk said Abdullah, Sr, is the chief minister and an able administrator and the party would be only too happy to have his services. "Why should he not contest when he is fit as a fiddle and available?" Naiyk said.
As for whether Omar, minister of state for external affairs, will remain at the Centre or move to Srinagar if he wins the election, Naiyk said: "Let us wait and watch."
The MP said it was important for the party to get a clear majority in the election and hence all those who can win their seats must contest. "If he [Omar] wins, we will have 14 days to decide which seat to quit, assembly or Lok Sabha."
The National Conference rejected outright the demand of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference that Kashmiris be allowed the right to self-determination. "Kashmiris have decided their lot and they are going to remain with India," a senior party leader said.
The party is worried because some of its workers have been targeted by terrorists in recent weeks. "A dozen of our workers have been killed," Naiyk said. "But this does not worry us. We will still contest all the assembly seats and, Inshallah, come back to power."
The party also took strong exception to American Secretary of State Colin Powell's statement calling for international observers to oversee the election and the release of political prisoners.
"Release of political prisoners is the job of the Centre and the state government," Naiyk said. "If they feel the time is right, they will release them. Why should America tell us what to do?
"As far as sending international observers is concerned, I think the Election Commission of India is capable of ensuring free and fair elections."
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