Given the volatile political and social situation in Kashmir, the coming Assembly polls would be much more challenging than the 2002 elections, feels National Conference president Omar Abdullah, who filed his nomination papers from Ganderbal on Monday. Talking to Arun Sharma, the NC leader discusses the varied issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. Excerpts:

• What in your opinion will be people’s response to the poll boycott call given by separatists in Kashmir?

At the moment it will be premature to guess what type of response we will get. The golden opportunity for a historic election was in March-April when the public mood was entirely in favour of polls. Now, the turnout figures will be affected as the political situation has changed dramatically. I still believe rural Kashmir will show a decent turnout. About urban Kashmir, I have my doubts.

•Will the poll boycott call have some bearing on the poll prospects of your party?

Much depends on which pockets, rural or urban, come out to vote and whether they are from areas of our candidates or the rival’s. However, with fewer votes polled, the polling process becomes very uncertain.

•Are you satisfied with the selection of candidates for the polls? How have you tackled dissensions in the party?

The beauty of selecting candidates is that you really don't know whether the choice is right or wrong till the poll results are announced. If the candidate wins, the choice is right and if he loses, people say the choice was wrong even though they were happy with his selection initially. We have looked at all aspects and no decision has been taken in haste. But no decision is without its fallout. In some cases, we have been able to convince people to work for the victory of the desired candidates, but in some cases personal interests have surpassed party interests. I have made it clear that if someone cannot sacrifice personal interests for the sake of the state and the party, then the sooner such people leave the party, the better it is.

... contd.