Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 26: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shazia Ilmi today criticized former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his ongoing concerns regarding the presence of foreign delegations and election observers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Ilmi suggested that Omar’s remarks stem from the discomfort of the Congress Party and the National Conference (NC), which, she claimed, are pained to witness international observers affirming the conduct of free and fair elections in the region, contrary to their previous narratives.
Ilmi questioned the basis of Omar’s continuous criticism, branding it as part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by the NC and Congress. “This is an impure conspiracy. Because of their actions, there has been significant discord in the Valley,” she stated.
She further accused these parties of “crying out” internationally, citing examples of leaders like Rahul Gandhi who have expressed concerns about India’s electoral democracy abroad. “Now they are troubled to see how fair and free elections are happening here,” she said.
Elaborating on the impact of the foreign delegations, she emphasized that their observations debunk previous claims made by the opposition. “Look at this contrast. We are confident in inviting them to witness our democracy. They were misled before,” she said.
Ilmi challenged the integrity of Congress leaders who, according to her, have sought international intervention, questioning their loyalty to the nation. “They go to Pakistan and beg for intervention, while many of our youth suffer due to their actions,” she said.
In response to Omar’s claim that the presence of foreign diplomats influenced voter turnout in Srinagar, Ilmi characterized him as fearful. “Omar Abdullah has always been afraid-first of the BJP, then of others. Now, he fears for himself and his allies,” she said.
Ilmi urged the people to focus on local issues and their families when voting. “Remember, it is about your home and future,” she said, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming elections.
She presented statistics highlighting improvements in healthcare and infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that prior to 2019, the region had only four medical colleges, which have now increased to eleven. She also noted a rise in medical seats from 500 to 1,300, a reduction in infant mortality rates from 22 to 16, and an improvement in the sex ratio from 927 to 976, now surpassing the national average. “Life expectancy has increased from below 70 to over 74 years, and we now have 490 ambulances compared to none before,” she said.
She highlighted the growth in self-employment, with 8 lakh new jobs created in the last 5 years, and the recruitment of 43,000 Government employees. “Jammu and Kashmir Bank’s profit has jumped from a loss of Rs 1,140 crores to a profit of Rs 1,700 crores in just a year,” she said.
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