Says “ No secret pact with BJP, Maintaining central ties for governance; Discussing Business Rules amid UT struggles”
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concerns about the diminishing hope among the people regarding the restoration of statehood, emphasizing that delays are affecting public sentiment.
Talking to reporters in the assembly complex the Chief Minister clarified that there is no alliance between the National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that his focus is on maintaining a working relationship with the central government to ensure effective governance. Abdullah refrained from commenting on his potential resignation, reiterating his commitment to statehood restoration, which he believes is crucial for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah highlighted the government’s desire to discuss statehood restoration, but noted that the assembly speaker did not permit such discussions due to ongoing legal proceedings. He affirmed his and his colleagues’ readiness to support a resolution on statehood if presented. The Chief Minister criticized the BJP for excluding a significant portion of the population from governance and reiterated that his government would allocate relief based on loss rather than religion or region. Addressing the challenges faced under the Union Territory status, Abdullah pointed out that many institutions should be under the control of the elected government but are not, which underscores the need for statehood. He mentioned ongoing discussions with the central government regarding business rules, asserting that their proposals align with the J&K Reorganization Act. In response to allegations of collusion between the NC and BJP regarding Rajya Sabha elections, Abdullah challenged critics to clarify their positions and accused those abstaining from elections of indirectly aiding the BJP. He recounted instances of voting irregularities and emphasized the need for accountability among elected representatives. On the topic of Mehraj Malik’s detention, Abdullah agreed that the use of the Public Safety Act against an elected member was inappropriate and suggested the formation of a disciplinary committee to address the matter. He reiterated that the NC is the only party actively opposing the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed his commitment to fostering a functional relationship with the central government while maintaining the NC’s independence. Lastly, Abdullah acknowledged the challenges posed by upcoming by-elections, particularly in Budgam, and expressed hope that voters would make informed choices despite the complexities involved.
