‘Nagrota, Budgam in our favour; need to redouble efforts’
Suhail Bhat
Soibugh (Budgam), Nov 7: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that all political forces have united against National Conference (NC) ahead of Budgam bypolls, while claiming that ties between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remain strong.
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Addressing a roadshow in Budgam, Omar said his party was being targeted for remaining true to its principles. “All forces have come together to defeat the NC and our candidate Agha Syed Mehmood. But our only fault is that we stood firm on the promises we made to the people,” he told the gathering.
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The Chief Minister accused the PDP of betraying voters by allying with the BJP after the 2014 Assembly elections despite campaigning against them. “In 2014, the PDP sought votes to keep the BJP out but later brought them to power. We, on the other hand, never compromised our principles for power,” he said.
Questioning the PDP’s decision not to field a candidate in the Nagrota bypolls, Omar said it exposed their continuing ties with the BJP. “The relationship between the PDP and BJP is still intact,” he said.
The Chief Minister claimed that the political atmosphere in both Budgam and Nagrota constituencies was “in favour” of the NC but urged party workers to redouble their efforts. “Only a few days are left now. We must work a little harder and reach every voter to ensure our victory,” he said.
Responding to questions over the absence of NC’s Member of Parliament (MP) Agha Ruhullah from the Budgam campaign, Omar said, “We have never forced anyone to campaign. Those who wish to do so, do it voluntarily. But when we succeed, those who did not support us will not share in our happiness.”
Clarifying the significance of the Budgam bypoll, the Chief Minister said it was not an election to form a Government but one to decide the region’s representation. “Those who claim that one seat can change the Government are misleading people. This election is important for Budgam, not for forming a Government,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding a Government circular asking schools to observe the anniversary of “Vande Mataram,” Omar maintained that such directives had not been approved by his administration.
“This decision has not been made by the Cabinet, nor has the Education Minister approved it. We will decide what should or should not happen in our schools. Education should not be influenced by outside interference,” he said, adding that there will be no external interference in J&K’s governance.
The Chief Minister said his party had paid a political price for not compromising its principles but would continue to uphold its commitment to Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy. “When the first Assembly session was held in Srinagar, our Government passed a resolution demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, which was taken away on August 5, 2019. Once J&K regains Statehood, the NC Cabinet will forward the resolution to the Prime Minister,” he said.
Reiterating his development promises, Omar announced plans to establish a university in Budgam, similar to the one he founded in Ganderbal in 2008. He also proposed building an international cricket stadium and sports academy in the district with support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Addressing concerns over electricity meters, the Chief Minister said the Government’s plan to provide 200 free units of power per household would be possible only if metering was implemented. “We are not against the poor. Those who consume less than 200 units will get free electricity, but meters are necessary to make that benefit possible,” he said.
Appealing to voters, Omar urged them to back the NC’s plough symbol in the November 11 bypolls. “If you want real representation, progress, and solutions to unemployment, then on the 11th, vote for the plough. The decision is in your hands,” he said.
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