Srinagar, March 14 (IANS): The National Conference (NC) on Tuesday authorised its President Farooq Abdullah to decide whether or not the party should align with the Congress during the upcoming parliamentary by-elections in Anantnag and Srinagar.

This was revealed by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Omar Abdullah also said that since violence had increased in the state, mainstream politicians and activists needed enhanced security to carry on electoral activities.

"Instead of increasing the security cover of our party leaders and prominent activists, the state government is seen withdrawing it," he said.

Party sources said the NC would announce the names of its candidates for the by-elections on Wednesday. 

While voting for Badgam-Srinagar Lok Sabha seat is scheduled for April 9, polling for the Anantnag seat will be held on April 12.

The Anantnag parliamentary seat fell vacant following the resignation of Mehbooba Mufti after getting elected to the state assembly and taking over as the Chief Minister of the state.

Tariq Hameed Karra, the then PDP member of the Lok Sabha from the Srinagar seat, had last year resigned from both the PDP and Parliament.