Omar Abdullah: Is the Opposition INDIA Bloc on Life Support?

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has raised alarms about the current state of the Opposition INDIA bloc, suggesting it is struggling due to internal conflicts and an inability to compete with the BJP's relentless election efforts. He emphasized the need for unity among opposition parties, particularly rallying around the Congress, to mount a serious challenge against the ruling party. Abdullah also criticized the bloc's recent decisions and highlighted the importance of engaging with the electorate consistently, particularly the Muslim community. His remarks come in the wake of the Bihar elections, where he noted the bloc's failures and the need for a more cohesive strategy moving forward.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 6, 2025, 17:05 IST

Opposition's Struggles Highlighted by Omar Abdullah

New Delhi: Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and a prominent figure in the National Conference, expressed concerns on Saturday regarding the current state of the Opposition INDIA bloc, suggesting it is 'on life support' and may soon require intensive care due to internal conflicts and an inability to keep pace with the BJP's relentless election efforts.

During a press conference, Abdullah elaborated on the 'organizational and strategic shortcomings' of the Opposition, contrasting it with the BJP's 'unmatched' dedication to campaigning.

Reflecting on the INDIA bloc's situation, especially after the recent Bihar elections, he remarked, 'We are somewhat on life support, and occasionally, someone revives us momentarily. However, setbacks like Bihar lead us back down, necessitating a metaphorical trip to the ICU.'

Abdullah attributed Nitish Kumar's return to the BJP-led NDA to the INDIA bloc's missteps, stating, 'We inadvertently pushed Nitish Kumar back into the NDA's embrace.'

He criticized the alliance for its lack of unity, particularly pointing out the decision to exclude the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) from the Bihar seat-sharing talks, despite its presence in the state.

Comparing the election strategies, Abdullah noted that the INDIA bloc struggles to match the BJP's disciplined and effective campaigning.

'The BJP operates an unparalleled election machine,' he stated, emphasizing that their strength extends beyond mere organization and financial resources.

'Their work ethic during elections is remarkable... They approach every election as if their lives depend on it, while we sometimes seem indifferent,' he added.

Abdullah highlighted the 24/7 political model adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team, noting that as soon as one election concludes, they are already preparing for the next. 'We typically engage in states only two months before elections, and we are fortunate if we finalize our alliances before the nomination deadline,' he remarked.

Looking forward, Abdullah asserted that for the Opposition to effectively challenge the BJP, it must rally around its largest member, the Congress, which is the only party besides the BJP with a nationwide presence.

He acknowledged the limitations of regional parties due to their geographical constraints, stating, 'The Congress will have to carry the bulk of the responsibility.'

Regarding the Muslim electorate, Abdullah indicated that traditional parties have erred by taking their support for granted, only reaching out during election periods, which has allowed parties like AIMIM to gain traction by consistently advocating for their interests.

When asked if the 2024 general election results were a fluke, Abdullah responded, 'No, the country sent a clear message to the central government and Prime Minister Modi that the situation is not as favorable as portrayed, and there is dissatisfaction with certain decisions.'

He noted that following the 2024 elections, the Centre adjusted its approach, demonstrating a willingness to function in an alliance format.

'Few remember that this is an alliance government. The operational style of this government does not reflect a typical UPA or NDA scenario. I often forget that this prime minister relies on two allies,' Abdullah remarked, adding that the Centre has shifted its methods to be more inclusive.

'They have transitioned from identifying as a BJP government to an NDA government. These subtle changes are significant,' he concluded.

Abdullah, who has distanced himself from claims of electronic voting machine (EVM) rigging, stated, 'I have never supported the notion that the machines are tampered with.'

However, he differentiated between rigging and electoral manipulation, which he considers a legitimate concern.

'Elections can be manipulated, often through voter lists or constituency structuring,' he explained.

He criticized the recent delimitation process in Jammu and Kashmir as 'essentially manipulation,' arguing that it was designed to favor 'one party and its ally' by altering voter lists and excluding certain voter demographics.

He concluded by emphasizing that any changes to voter lists, such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), must be conducted 'transparently' and 'fairly' to avoid perceptions of bias.

In a lighter moment, Abdullah noted that his views on EVMs differ from those of his father, Farooq Abdullah, who believes in their rigging, humorously stating, 'My dad believes everything he sees on WhatsApp.'