Aqzar Raheel
Srinagar, Oct 7: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday raised concerns over the electoral process in the Union Territory, saying people in J&K had “not forgotten” the delimitation exercise and alleging that it was aimed at helping the BJP.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said developments taking place elsewhere in the country could have implications for Jammu and Kashmir as well.
“But we have already been victims of such interference. We have not forgotten the delimitation yet. The very purpose of that delimitation was to help the BJP,” Abdullah alleged.
He said he hoped the proceedings currently underway in the Supreme Court, particularly those concerning Form 6, would make it difficult to remove people from the electoral rolls.
“I hope that the proceedings currently taking place in the Supreme Court, especially regarding Form 6, will make it somewhat difficult for them to remove people from the voter lists,” he said.
The Chief Minister was also asked about the ongoing protests against the Election Commission and arrests in Delhi, including those involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Questioning the BJP’s claim that reports concerning the issue were fabricated, Abdullah said, “If it is fabrication, then why has action not been taken against the newspaper through which this all came to light?”
Referring to The Indian Express, he said he had not seen any defamation case being filed against the newspaper.
“If it had not been correct, the government would have taken action against them, or at least filed a defamation case,” he said.
Abdullah said the ongoing protests were linked to the recent INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi and a month-long programme announced by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
On the pending recruitment rules concerning government medical colleges, Abdullah said the rules were “almost ready” and were being given their final shape.
“There were some contradictions between the rules that had been framed and the rules that were proposed. Those contradictions are being removed,” he said.
The Chief Minister said his government did not want to rush the process and risk an outcome that could prove counterproductive.
He said contradictions, conflicts and legal issues were being addressed and expressed hope that the rules would be notified soon.
Asked about recent administrative changes, Abdullah said transfers were part of the functioning of the government and administration.
“Some changes are made by us, while some are made by the Lieutenant Governor. He must have made these transfers after due consideration. Now, wherever these officers have been posted, we will work with them,” he said.
On the expansion of his Council of Ministers, Abdullah said a decision would be taken after his return from Delhi, where he is scheduled to attend the GST Council meeting.
He said he would subsequently consult National Conference president Farooq Abdullah before taking the decision.
Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years in public life, Abdullah said it was not easy to repeatedly win elections over such a long period.
“He must have done something for people to vote for him repeatedly. It is not easy to continuously win elections for 25 years, first at the state level and then at the national level,” he said.
Abdullah congratulated Modi on the milestone on his own behalf and that of his colleagues.
On sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister said the government was focusing on developing facilities alongside the deployment of coaches and trainers.
He said the government had earlier appointed coaches when adequate infrastructure was not available, but was now seeking to ensure that both coaches and facilities were developed simultaneously.
Abdullah highlighted the Olympic-size swimming pool at the sports complex and said arrangements were being made to heat it through solar energy so that children could train throughout the year.
He also referred to the newly inaugurated indoor gymnastics hall, saying children in Kashmir had shown interest in gymnastics but lacked the necessary infrastructure to pursue the sport.
The Chief Minister said the government would continue adding new sporting facilities and encourage youngsters to explore sports beyond traditional disciplines such as cricket, football, hockey and volleyball.
