Jammu: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah advocated on Tuesday for holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir alongside the parliamentary polls next year. He emphasized that the people deserve the opportunity to choose their elected government rather than being governed through the Raj Bhavan. Abdullah also defended the concept of “parivarvaad” (familism) in politics and questioned Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks holding the National Conference, PDP, and Congress responsible for militancy-related deaths in the Union Territory.
Abdullah stated, “I have no grudge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is a senior and respected figure. I have no objection to his remarks against me. However, I want to tell him that he should announce assembly elections, and we will see whom the people will vote for.” He expressed his belief that if elections were held today, the BJP would not exceed 10 seats, contradicting their claim of securing 50-plus seats.
The former chief minister accused the BJP of deliberately delaying the assembly elections out of fear of losing. He stated that the Election Commission has made it clear that they require a signal from the central government indicating that the situation is conducive for holding polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah argued that democracy is functioning in the rest of the country but not in Jammu and Kashmir, where individuals in high offices interfere in day-to-day politics.
Regarding the accusations of pursuing “parivarvaad,” Abdullah highlighted that almost every party in the country, except the Leftists, has familial connections in politics. He mentioned that senior BJP leaders have also accommodated their sons and daughters in various positions. He emphasized that his party is transparent about its political background and believes in presenting their report card to the public, who have the right to accept or reject them.
Responding to the Home Minister’s remarks about the responsibility for militant-related deaths, Abdullah called for accountability for killings that occurred in recent years as well. He highlighted incidents such as the Pulwama attack and killings in Rajouri and Budhal, urging that responsibility be assigned for these incidents as well.
Abdullah addressed party workers, expressing the distress and anger among the people of Jammu and Kashmir due to unfulfilled promises, lack of development, high inflation, and unemployment. He stressed the need for change and improvement in the region’s governance.
