Says “Er Rashid’s victory left north Kashmir unrepresented, Choudhary Ramzan will represent the unrepresented now”
B’gam: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of betraying the people by joining hands with the BJP after seeking votes to keep them at bay, stating that the party’s alliance in 2014 marked the beginning of Jammu and Kashmir’s “downfall”.
Addressing an election rally in Mirgund, Budgam, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the BJP for the damage it has caused to Jammu and Kashmir, claiming that the region was unjustly transformed from a state into a Union Territory. He highlighted the betrayal of the PDP, which he accused of seeking votes to keep the BJP at bay in 2014 but later forming an alliance with them. Omar emphasized that the National Conference (NC) has remained steadfast in its principles by refusing to compromise with the BJP, positioning itself as the only party willing to confront them. Omar pointed out that the introduction of GST by the PDP-led government marked the beginning of Jammu and Kashmir’s decline in 2014, not 2019, and questioned the PDP’s accountability for its alliance with the BJP.
Omar challenged the PDP and other parties for not participating in the Nagrota by-election if they were genuinely opposed to the BJP, noting that the NC had to field its own candidate after Congress declined an offer for the seat. He announced significant development initiatives for Budgam, including plans for a university and a new cricket academy and stadium, citing the area’s advantageous infrastructure. Omar claimed to have invested over Rs 110 crore in various development projects in Budgam, asserting his ongoing commitment to the constituency despite previously vacating the seat. Highlighting his government’s welfare initiatives, Omar mentioned free bus rides for women, increased marriage assistance, and tax waivers, asserting that these accomplishments have caused concern among the opposition. He urged voters to support NC candidate Aga Mahmood, clarifying that their votes would influence Budgam’s development rather than the overall government formation. In a media interaction, Omar addressed the lack of representation for north Kashmir due to the imprisonment of MP Engineer Abdul Rashid. He responded to comments made by Rashid’s son regarding past election rigging, emphasizing the need for representation in the region and announcing the nomination of Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan for the Rajya Sabha. Additionally, he reiterated that while residents could opt out of smart meters, doing so would forfeit their eligibility for 200 free units of electricity.
