‘NC Govt being punished for not allying with BJP’
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Nov 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that Jammu and Kashmir’s “destruction” began in 2014 when the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and brought them to power.
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Addressing a public gathering during an election rally at Mirgund in Budgam district, Omar said he is serving as the Chief Minister of a Union Territory instead of a State “because of the PDP,” which, he added, “has yet to apologise to the people.”
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The Chief Minister reiterated that the National Conference (NC) will never allow the BJP to return to power in J&K – even if it means facing political hardships and obstacles.
“If I am a CM of a UT today, it is because of these people. Who brought the GST law? The BJP-PDP Government. The destruction started after 2014, and now they are pretending to be sympathisers of the people. They still haven’t apologised for joining hands with the BJP,” he added.
Omar said the NC Government was being “punished” for refusing to ally with the BJP after the 2024 elections.
“Had we joined them, we might have got Statehood back and faced fewer hurdles. But we chose not to compromise, and it is we who continue to fight them in J&K,” he said.
The Chief Minister accused other political parties of targeting NC leaders. “Every party is attacking NC, me, and Aga Mehmood – as if we destroyed J&K.”
“Ask the PDP where their candidate is in Nagrota. They haven’t fielded anyone against the BJP there. It’s the NC that is contesting against them,” he stressed.
Promising new developmental initiatives, Omar said Budgam would be developed as a sports hub alongside other projects.
“We will build a cricket stadium for international cricket and a cricket academy here. I don’t think there’s a better place than Budgam for that. We have laid the foundation and will continue to work,” he said.
Listing his Government’s welfare measures, Omar said free bus travel for women has been ensured, and for the first time in 15 years, benefits under social welfare schemes have been increased.
“It includes an increase in old-age pensions and marriage assistance. Earlier, one had to be Class 8 pass to avail of marriage assistance, but we removed that restriction so more people could benefit,” he said.
He also cited the revision of J&K’s examination schedule as a step aimed at easing pressure on students and parents.
Speaking on the Budgam bypoll, the Chief Minister said the outcome would not affect the Government but would decide the constituency’s future.
“The CM is already elected, and the Government is in place. This vote is about Budgam’s future. We still have four years – don’t waste them. The solution lies in your hands,” he told the gathering.
Omar said he still considers himself the MLA from Budgam, noting that even though he could not retain both seats as per law, “I have worked equally for both constituencies.”
Urging voters to support NC candidate Aga Mehmood on November 11, the Chief Minister said: “Go and press the button next to the NC symbol. When you vote for Aga Mehmood, you get me too.”
Later, speaking to reporters, Omar said north Kashmir lacked representation in Parliament as MP Engineer Abdul Rashid remained in jail.
Reacting to remarks by Rashid’s son about alleged rigging in 1987, he said, “He wasn’t even born then. Instead of talking about 1987, he should explain why north Kashmir has no representation despite his father’s victory.”
On the issue of smart meters, the Chief Minister reiterated that installation was optional but linked to benefits. “If people don’t want meters, they can opt out – but then they can’t claim the 200 free electricity units,” he clarified.
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