‘Statehood to end alienation with Delhi, CS-led panel progressing well on regularisation of daily wagers, all promises to be kept under 5 year pledge’
Srinagar : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday announced that the National Conference (NC) has requested its ally, Congress, to nominate a candidate for the Nagrota Assembly seat in the upcoming by-election. He expressed confidence that the alienation felt by the people of Jammu and Kashmir towards New Delhi will diminish once statehood is restored.
Talking to reporters in Anantnag Abdullah emphasized that while a year has passed since the elected government took office, they still have four years to fulfill their commitments, urging the public to evaluate their performance over the full term rather than in short intervals. Regarding the by-election nominations, Abdullah confirmed that the NC will contest the Budgam seat, while Congress is expected to field a candidate for Nagrota, pending approval from their high command. He assured Congress of NC’s full support in this endeavor. On the issue of regularizing daily wagers, he mentioned that a committee led by the Chief Secretary has been established and is making progress, with actions to follow once the report is submitted. Abdullah declined to address allegations from Congress leader Vikar Rasool Wani, who accused him of sidelining Congress under the influence of Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that he would not engage with criticisms from a leader who performed poorly in recent elections. He reiterated that the restoration of statehood is crucial to ending the alienation between Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi, highlighting the absence of Business Rules and the Advocate General, which he believes contributes to the current disconnect. Abdullah expressed optimism that the alienation experienced in the first year of his tenure could be resolved in the second year.
