Ganderbal, Aug 25(KNS): National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah today hit back at critics, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti and said he was happy that Amit Shah had gone through the National Conference manifesto, terming it a "big achievement" for the party.

When asked about Amit Shah's comments on the NC-Congress alliance, Omar said , "I'm happy that the Home Minister has gone through our manifesto." He added, "I thank Amit Shah for mentioning our manifesto. After his comments, I re-checked our manifesto to ensure we haven't missed anything."

Regarding Mehbooba Mufti's challenge to surrender all seats if NC endorses PDP's manifesto, Omar stated, "PDP's manifesto is a copy of ours." He did not elaborate further on the matter.

Omar also reacted to reports of Jamaat-Islami contesting the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. "The beauty of democracy is that anyone can contest polls," he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe welcomed the initiative, saying, "Let them come forward with their manifesto and promises. It's up to the people to choose."

When asked about reports of Jamaat-Islami fielding candidates as independents due to the ban on the organization, Omar said, "We wanted them to contest polls on their own symbol, however, the ban on the organisation has not been lifted." He added, "Now there are news reports that JeI is fielding its candidates as independents, which is a welcome step."

Omar also addressed reports of fissures in the NC-Congress alliance, saying, "It's up to the party to decide things." He did not provide further comment on the matter.

The National Conference Vice President's comments come ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The results will be announced on October 4.(KNS).