Mian Altaf to fight elections, dispels health concerns

Srinagar, Apr 13: National Conference senior leader and candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday clarified that he will be running in the elections, putting to rest any rumours about his withdrawal due to health issues.
In a video message, Mian said he had been feeling unwell before Eid, experiencing fever and undergoing tests. Initially, doctors suspected jaundice and recommended rest, but further tests revealed it was a viral fever, he said.
Mian Altaf, a prominent Gujjar leader and former minister, had expressed concerns about his ability to campaign if his health didn’t improve. However, after receiving treatment, he now feels better and is determined to continue his candidacy.
His declaration comes after Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference, and other leaders visited him at his residence in Ganderbal to check on his health, without engaging in political discussions.
Earlier at a party event on Saturday, Omar while addressing the media persons said that the National Conference had not been informed of any decision by Mian Altaf to drop out of the race.
He said Ahmad remains the party’s preferred candidate and will represent them unless he states otherwise.
“Media reports can sometimes be inaccurate,” the former chief minister said, adding that he will not comment further until he hears directly from Mian Altaf about any health-related concerns affecting his candidacy.