With reports of veteran Gujjar leader Mian Altaf not willing to contest Lok Sabha polls, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that he is the party’s first choice for the Anantnag- Rajouri seat.
He said that Mian Altaf was still the party’s candidate.
“We have not heard about it. If he had taken such a decision, then he would have informed us. Now that you have raised it, we will try to find out about it,” Omar told reporters in Srinagar when asked about a report that Altaf is likely to miss campaigning due to his poor health.
The report said that the doctors have advised Altaf to rest for several weeks.
“Altaf is the party’s first choice for the seat and unless we won’t hear from his mouth that he can’t contest polls, he will be our party’s candidate,” Omar said.
The NC Vice President said media reports are not always true and sometimes they are wrong.
“As I said, unless I won’t hear from Mian sahib that he won’t be able to contest citing health issues, I won’t be able to comment on it. … If he does not contest then the party will hold consultations over it,” Omar said.
