Irked by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s election campaign in Sopore, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah today called for Gandhi to shift his attention to the Jammu region, where the Congress holds the majority of seats in the seat-sharing agreement with NC.
Speaking to reporters, Omar expressed his disappointment over the Congress’s campaign strategy. He pointed out that despite the seat-sharing alliance between NC and Congress, the latter had yet to make a significant impact in Jammu. Commenting on Gandhi’s rally in Sopore in support of Congress candidates Abdul Rashid Dar, Nizamudin Bhat, and Irfan Lone, Omar said that Congress’s efforts in the Kashmir Valley were less crucial compared to the importance of its role in Jammu.
“I hope after Rahul wraps up campaigning in one or two seats in Kashmir, he turns his attention to Jammu. Ultimately, Congress’s actions in Kashmir aren’t what matter most; it’s what happens in Jammu that counts,” Omar said. He added that while Congress had been granted a substantial number of seats in the Jammu plains, its campaign presence there had been minimal.
Congress Campaign Lacking in Jammu
Omar Abdullah highlighted the fact that Congress was given the lion’s share of seats in Jammu as part of the alliance with NC but had yet to begin its full campaign in the region. “The lion’s share of the seats that the alliance gave in Jammu was to the Congress party, and yet the Congress campaign in Jammu is yet to begin,” Omar said, expressing concern with only five days left before the conclusion of campaigning.
“With only five days left in the campaign, it’s worrying that Congress has yet to make its presence felt in Jammu. I hope once Rahul finishes in the Valley, the party will focus its efforts on Jammu,” he added.
Optimism Amid Voter Enthusiasm
Reflecting on the ongoing elections, Omar Abdullah expressed optimism about the strong voter turnout so far. “We’ve been waiting for ten years. The first phase went well, and I anticipate a strong turnout in the second phase. The enthusiasm from voters has been encouraging, and I hope it translates into substantial voter participation,” he said.
Omar Questions Foreign Diplomat Involvement in Elections
The NC leader criticized the Central Government for inviting foreign diplomats to observe the elections in Jammu and Kashmir. “I don’t see why outsiders need to check on our elections. When they comment on various issues, the Government labels it an internal matter. These elections should be viewed the same way,” Omar said.
He also questioned the decision to bring diplomats to Srinagar while leaving out Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch, implying that the government was attempting to misrepresent the situation in Kashmir to the international community. “The purpose of bringing them to Srinagar was to spread a wrong opinion about you to the world. We must remain vigilant and alert to this,” he warned.
Voting Despite Challenges
Omar Abdullah underscored that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are voting despite difficulties posed by the Central Government. “The people are voting, not because of the Government, but in spite of its efforts to trouble and harass them,” he remarked, highlighting the resilience of voters across the region.
Omar Responds to Allegations of Bogus Voting
Omar also responded to allegations from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding bogus voting in Ganderbal. “If their candidates aren’t making an impact, that’s not my fault. People are supporting me based on their own choices,” he said.
Warning Against BJP’s Plans for Article 370 and 35A
The NC leader warned voters against allowing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to gain control of the Assembly, arguing that the BJP’s ultimate goal is to pass a resolution accepting the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. He accused the BJP of fielding proxy candidates to split the vote in Kashmir and form a government that would legitimize the removal of these constitutional provisions.
Omar urged voters to remain vigilant and to vote against any attempt by the BJP to dilute Jammu and Kashmir’s rights and identity. “If the BJP forms a government, it could pass a resolution in the Assembly claiming that J&K has accepted the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A,” he warned.
