Srinagar: Former chief minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that he doesn’t see Assembly elections happening in Jammu and Kashmir this year in view of Delimitation Commission getting a one year extension.
Abdullah said his top most priority right now was to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.
“The Delimitation Commission has been given one year’s extension and who knows how many such extension will be given to it. So I don’t see Assembly elections taking place in 2021,” Mr Abdullah told reporters here on the sideline of a party function to pay tributes to NC’s veteran leader and former speaker Wali Muhammad Itoo on his 27th death anniversary.
Answering a question, he said, “Let me clarify that my priority is not elections, it may be for the others. But, my top priority right now is to strengthen NC at grassroots level and that is what I’m doing.”
“We want the people to get grass root development and democracy. We can’t see any development…. DDC members shouldn’t be used as photo-opportunity and as a diplomatic tool. If the DDC are empowered than only we will see development at grass root level once again,” he said.
On latest ceasefire pact between India and Pakistan, Mr Abdullah said that he is hopeful that this step would bright the two neighbouring countries closer so that talks could be held in a peaceful atmosphere.
On another question about Shia Waqf board’s ex-chairman Wasim Rizvi’s petition in Supreme Court seeking removal of 26 verses from the holy Quran, he said that Indian constitution doesn’t allow any assault on any religion. “Had these things being done in accordance with the constitution of India, I would have said we will not follow it. But, assault on any religion is unconstitutional. Razvi is not a foreigner but one amongst us. He is a former chairman of Shia Waqf board,” he said.
Meanwhile, paying tributes to Mr Itoo, the former chief minister said, “The jinxed fate of our region snatched a brilliant administrator, true democrat and an astute politician from us 27 years ago. His good work for the far-flung areas of South Kashmir in particular Noorabad constituency is still remembered and acknowledged by all.”
“His name has become synonymous with development and socio-political emancipation of downtrodden masses. On his death anniversary, I remember his sacrifice with utmost veneration. I pray to Almighty to bestow him with highest stations in Jannat,” he added.
