Srinagar, July 26 -- Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Bukhari questioned the credibility of the NC's past performance and held the party accountable for what he described as repeated failures to live up to its promises.

"Which of the National Conference's manifestos has ever been implemented?" Bukhari asked. "Political parties knew the limitations of power before they contested elections. If you were aware that you didn't have power, why did you fight elections in the first place? Now you can't use that as an excuse."

His remarks appeared to be a veiled reference to Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister and NC vice president, who has often cited limited autonomy post-2019 as a constraint for mainstream political parties.

Outlining the...