Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the increasing terror attacks in the otherwise peaceful Jammu region, terming it a failure of the BJP-led government. Abdullah made these comments during an election rally in support of National Conference candidate Sunil Verma in the Udhampur East Assembly segment.
Abdullah asserted that the BJP, by blaming opposition parties such as National Conference (NC), Congress, and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, has effectively given a “clean chit” to Pakistan. He pointed out the irony in the BJP’s dual narrative, accusing regional parties within the Union Territory (UT) while blaming Pakistan when addressing audiences outside J&K.
“What is the situation of militancy in the Jammu region where our brave force personnel are targeted quite frequently? BJP should first reply why militancy spread to Jammu region after 2014, especially in the last three years when its graph went up,” Abdullah questioned.
BJP’s Contradictory Stance
Referring to Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statements blaming NC, Congress, and PDP for terrorism, Abdullah said, “When BJP leaders speak within J&K, they blame us, but when they are outside the Union Territory, they hold Pakistan responsible.” He further stated that the BJP’s inconsistent stance on terrorism only misleads the public.
“If we are responsible, then why are they not talking to Pakistan? You are blaming us from the soil of J&K, thus giving a clean chit to Pakistan. They are making contradictory statements to mislead the public,” he remarked.
On BJP’s Criticism of NC’s Manifesto
Omar Abdullah responded to the BJP’s criticism of the National Conference’s manifesto, expressing satisfaction that the document had sparked widespread discussion. He said, “We are a small regional party with no stakes outside J&K, but they have made our manifesto a topic of discussion across the country.”
He also thanked BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, for discussing the NC’s manifesto, indicating that it showed the significance of his party’s proposals.
Poor BJP Performance in Early Election Phases
Abdullah also claimed that the BJP is nervous due to its lackluster performance in the first two phases of the Assembly elections, held on September 18 and 25.
“Our internal reports suggest that their candidate from Nowshera constituency, J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina, is unlikely to save his seat. They are scared,” he stated.
Revival of Terrorism Under BJP Rule
Addressing a large public gathering in Vijaypur Assembly constituency, Abdullah accused the BJP of reviving terrorism in the Jammu region. He recalled that before 2014, terrorism had been nearly eradicated under the NC’s rule, but the BJP-PDP government paved the way for its resurgence.
“They are saying that if we form the government, terrorism will be revived. But the truth is that terrorism was revived under their rule,” Abdullah asserted.
Abdullah also referenced past attacks on pilgrims, pointing out that the Amarnath pilgrim attack in July 2017 occurred during the BJP-PDP coalition government, and similarly, the attack on Shiv Khori pilgrims in June 2024 took place under BJP rule.
Alliance for Development and Prosperity
Omar Abdullah called for support for NC-Congress alliance candidates to foster development, peace, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. In rallies at Thandikhui in Vijaypur and Thather in Jammu North, he appealed to voters to back alliance candidates Rajesh Padgotra and Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, emphasizing the need for strong representation in the legislature.
Abdullah urged the people of Vijaypur and Jammu North to support these candidates, promising that the alliance would focus on their constituencies’ development and work for the betterment of their future.
Key Phrases:
“What is the situation of militancy in the Jammu region where our brave force personnel are targeted quite frequently?”
“BJP should first reply why militancy spread to Jammu region after 2014, especially in the last three years when its graph went up.”
“They are making contradictory statements to mislead the public.”
“If the Prime Minister or Home Minister is remembering me in their speeches, that means I have done something good.”
“We have completely wiped out terrorism from Jammu before 2014, but this double-engine Government facilitated its return.”
