Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Sept 22: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah today said that there is no possibility of a hung Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, as the National Conference-Congress alliance offers voters a clear path to forming a stable Government.
He made these remarks during a Shikara rally on Dal Lake in Srinagar, organized to support Tanvir Sadiq, the party’s candidate for the Zadibal constituency.
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Omar said that while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would prefer a hung Assembly to justify extending the Governor’s rule, his party is committed to avoiding that outcome. “If we wanted, we could have formed a post-poll alliance. But we chose a pre-poll alliance to offer people the option of ensuring that a hung Assembly does not occur. There is no doubt about Government formation,” he said.
Commenting on the first phase of Assembly elections, Omar expressed disappointment over low voter turnout in some areas, noting that it was lower than in 2014. “As much as we hoped for a strong turnout, there are areas where voting was down compared to 2014. In Noorabad, for example, turnout was 20% lower than last time. The current Government should reflect on why, despite claims of peace and no boycotts, voter turnout has decreased in several areas,” he added.
Asked about his unique campaign on Dal Lake, the NC leader expressed pride in the region’s beauty but acknowledged the hardships residents face. “This campaign showcases the beauty of the region, but the pain and anger in people’s hearts from the last 6-10 years would not be expressed today. It will be reflected in their votes,” he said.
Regarding support from Apni Party candidate Muntazir Moh-i-din, Omar expressed gratitude. “Muntazir supported me in Budgam, going against his party’s orders, which favoured the PDP. He understood the emotions of the people and chose to support me. I am personally thankful for that,” he added.
Omar criticized BJP leaders for not visiting Kashmir, claiming they have done nothing for the region. He also criticized the BJP’s lack of Muslim representation in the Central Government, noting that Muslims make up 16% of India’s population but have no Ministers.
The NC leader further alleged that the BJP was harping on the “rule of three families” in Jammu and Kashmir to hide its failures.
“Jammu and Kashmir has got nothing in the past five years. The BJP has nothing to show. So the Prime Minister and the Home Minister are forced to target the three families. If they had done something, they would not need to do this,” he added.
When asked about the competition in the second phase, Omar said all parties and independent candidates are united against the NC because they fear it. “Every seat has candidates targeting the NC. Whether big or small, central or state parties, they all target us. Even independent candidates are afraid of us,” he said.
On Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the valley, Omar said, “It is good that Gandhi is coming, and I hope he visits a few more times.”
“It is good that Rahul Gandhi is coming. I would want him to come more often to take on the BJP top brass. The Prime Minister has visited twice, the Home Minister has visited thrice, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is not tired of visiting, there are other senior BJP leaders coming. Rahul Gandhi should come to boost the morale of party cadres wherever Congress candidates are contesting,” he added.
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