Terming the outcome of the recent Lok Sabha polls as a wake-up call, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah today said his party would convert its defeat into strength and bounce back with renewed vigour.
"History stands testimony to the fact that the NC has resurrected itself as a vibrant force only after challenges," he told a day-long conclave of party workers here.
"The outcome of the recent Lok Sabha polls is a wake-up call for the NC. The party will convert its loss into strength and bounce back with renewed confidence," Farooq said.
The NC patriarch asked party cadres to close their ranks, take the electoral verdict in their stride and prepare for the ensuing battle (assembly polls) with vigour and sense of commitment.
"Ups and downs are part of the game and there is no reason for workers to feel dejected," he said and asked the leadership to introspect where the party had erred.
Farooq questioned those undermining the role of the National Conference and said the party had never looked back in pursuit of its mission.
He praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for working tirelessly to steer the state to the path of development and progress against all odds.
The NC head also lauded the role of party workers for working with sincerity of purpose during the recently-held Lok Sabha polls.
Farooq also referred to voices being heard in Delhi with respect to Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code and asked people to remain cautious.
