Says NC’s Deputy CM appointment aims to counter Jammu discrimination claims
Aim to restore smiles in both Jammu & Kashmir divisions
JAMMU, Oct 19: In his first visit to Jammu after being elected Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah emphasised his commitment to treating both regions equally, stating, “No discrimination will be done with the Jammu region.”
Addressing party workers at the Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Abdullah remarked, “We will take care of the aspirations of the people of both regions.” He dismissed claims that the National Conference (NC) is a Kashmir-based Muslim party, explaining that the appointment of a Deputy Chief Minister from the Jammu region aims to counter such perceptions.
“NC treats both regions equally and is not a Muslim party,” he asserted, adding, “Our government is for all, whether those who voted for us or not.”
Abdullah’s comments come in the wake of the NC securing 42 seats in the recent Assembly elections. He addressed rumors that Jammu would be punished for not supporting the NC-Congress coalition candidates. “I must make it clear that our government will be for all, irrespective of whether anyone voted for us or not,” he stated.
He highlighted that the appointment of a Deputy Chief Minister was not a compulsion for the party but a response to criticisms that NC is a party dominated by Muslims and cannot tolerate leaders from Jammu. “We now have a Deputy Chief Minister who is a Hindu and has nothing to do with my family,” Abdullah noted.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister encouraged party workers to remain optimistic, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir is currently a Union Territory but will not remain so for long. “We will get back our rights. We will fight for everything that was taken away from us, and there is no need to get annoyed or disappointed,” he concluded.
