Congress approached NC for alliance, says Omar Abdullah

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Sunday said the Congress party had approached them for an alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

"It is true that we had received a proposal from Congress for alliance (in Jammu and Kashmir for Lok Sabha polls). But we told them clearly that only National Conference candidate will be there on the 3 seats in the valley (Kashmir)," Abdullah told media here.

The former chief minister, however, said the party is open to discussing about the other seats at stake in the state. "If it suits them (Congress) then we can talk about other seats. Let's see what response we receive," he added.

With regards to the 5-year ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, Abdullah claimed that when he was the chief minister, things were "more peaceful."

" I was the Chief Minister for six years, no organisation including Jamaat-e-Islami was banned, things were far more peaceful back then. Today, the state is suffering the repercussions of BJP-PDP alliance of 2015," he added.

Abdullah also congratulated former IAS officer Shah Faesal over his entry into politics.

Jammu and Kashmir will vote for the Lok Sabha Elections in five phases - April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.