National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah on Sunday indicated his party’s openness to forming a government in Jammu and Kashmir with support from Mehbooba Mufti's People's Democratic Party (PDP), if necessary. Abdullah stated that if it serves the greater good, the NC-Congress alliance would be willing to collaborate with the PDP to address key issues like unemployment and press freedom.

When asked if the NC-Congress alliance would accept support from the PDP, Abdullah responded, “Why not? If we all work for the betterment of the people in Jammu and Kashmir, tackling unemployment, addressing the challenges of the past decade, and restoring press freedom, there is no reason not to collaborate. We may be election rivals, but I see no objections, and I don’t believe the Congress would object either.”

Meanwhile, NC leader Omar Abdullah called reports of PDP backing for the NC-Congress alliance "premature speculations," urging patience until the official election results. Omar Abdullah emphasized that no formal offer of support had been made by the PDP.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti also addressed the speculation, stating that her party’s senior leadership would only make a decision on supporting a secular front after election results were announced. She labeled the current rumors as "unnecessary."

The possibility of a hung Assembly has been raised following exit polls predicting a close contest in Jammu and Kashmir’s recent elections. The results are set to be announced on October 8.

Farooq Abdullah, however, has ruled himself out as a contender for the chief minister's position, stating his focus is on building a stable government committed to the welfare of the people. He reiterated the need for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, asserting that only an elected government could effectively resolve the region’s issues.

Abdullah also hinted at being open to support from independent candidates but clarified that his party would not actively seek such backing. He concluded by warning against any attempts by the BJP to empower the Lieutenant Governor with undue authority, vowing to challenge such moves in court if necessary.

Jammu and Kashmir completed its voting on October 1, marking the final phase of its first Assembly elections since the revocation of its special status in 2019.