‘7 RS MPs who merged with BJP can’t win even Panchayat elections’
*CM emphasizes role of cinema in boosting tourism in J&K
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Apr 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that not even a single of seven Rajya Sabha Members, who merged with the BJP yesterday after quitting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), can win even the Panchayat elections but had a dig at the Congress too saying the Government of his father (Farooq Abdullah) was also toppled in 1984 by purchasing the MLAs.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
In an interaction with media persons in Bengaluru where he met with the filmmakers to invite them for shooting in scenic beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said the politics of ‘Aaya Ram Gaya Ram’ (defections) was always there. He was responding to a question on seven AAP RS MPs led by Raghav Chadha switching sides to the BJP yesterday.
“I belong to the party which has been a victim of this (defections). This hasn’t happened for the first time. In 1984, the Government of my father was toppled (in Jammu and Kashmir). Many MLAs were bought,” Omar said without naming the Congress Government headed by Indira Gandhi which was in power at the Centre at that time.
It may be mentioned here that Indira Gandhi Government was in power at the Centre in 1984 when Farooq Abdullah Government was toppled by his brother-in-law Ghulam Mohammad Shah alias Gul Shah by engineering defections from the National Conference and taking support from the Congress.
“The parties which are in power have been doing this,” he said.
Omar Abdullah’s National Conference is an ally of the Congress in Jammu and Kashmir as well as part of INDIA bloc at the Centre. Both the parties contested Assembly elections together.
On defection of seven Rajya Sabha members including Raghav Chadha from the AAP to the BJP yesterday, the Chief Minister said this can be a “temporary loss” to the AAP but not even a single of the seven MPs can win the seat on their own.
“They also parachuted to the Rajya Sabha. Not even one of them can win the Panchayat elections,” he claimed and said the BJP will not be benefitted by 10 votes (from the joining of these MPs).
Voicing concern over the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Omar hoped that this war ends soon.
“There is no basis or justification for this war,” he said, questioning the rationale behind the attack and its consequences.
On ceasefire efforts, Omar said, “We can only hope and pray. Our only concern should be that the war ends soon and peace is restored.”
Questioning claims of the BJP advantage in West Bengal, Omar said the focus on voting percentage was misleading and did not reflect the ground reality of voter participation.
“Those saying advantage to the BJP quote either from the press notes sent by the saffron party or who have not gone deeply into the data. Total number of voters in West Bengal had decreased compared to the previous election, even as the percentage turnout appeared higher,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the percentage has increased because you (ECI) have reduced the number of voters. “Due to the SIR (Special Intensive Revision of electoral roll), so many voters have been removed. Compared to the previous election, the total number of voters has gone down this time, even though the percentage has gone up”.
“We are not as worried about tampering with machines. I am less worried about machines and more about what they do in pre-election management through delimitation and manipulation of voter lists,” he said and expressed “disappointment” that courts had deferred hearing the issue until the elections are over.
He added that from the time the poll body was made independent, including during the tenure of T N Seshan (former CEC), such a situation had not arisen.
Meanwhile, Omar today interacted with filmmakers in Bengaluru, showcasing Jammu & Kashmir’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage as an ideal destination for cinema.
A delegation of leading film producers and representatives of major production houses met the Chief Minister to explore opportunities for film production and collaboration.
The Chief Minister assured full support and a friendly, enabling environment for artists, reiterating the Government’s commitment to making filmmaking in Jammu & Kashmir easier and more accessible.
The interaction formed part of the Jammu & Kashmir Government’s focused outreach in South India, aimed at building stronger connections with key stakeholders in the region’s tourism and film industries. Recognising South India as a major hub of cinema, creativity, and outbound tourism, the initiative seeks to position J&K as a preferred destination for both filmmakers and travellers.
During the engagement, Omar highlighted J&K’s unparalleled natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, ranging from serene valleys and snow-clad mountains to vibrant traditions and local craftsmanship.
He also underlined recent policy measures introduced to facilitate film production in J&K, including streamlined permission processes, logistical support, and incentives for production houses.
Assuring full cooperation, the Chief Minister said that the Government is committed to providing a safe, supportive and enabling environment for artists and filmmakers. He added that continuous engagement with the film fraternity will help address their requirements and strengthen collaboration.
He also emphasised the role of cinema in boosting tourism, noting that films shot in Jammu & Kashmir can significantly enhance its visibility and inspire travel, thereby generating economic opportunities for local communities.
The interaction was also attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta, and other concerned officials.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
