Srinagar, May 14: Omar Abdullah, National Conference Vice President and the party’s candidate for Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, on Tuesday said the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad doesn’t “even leave his bedroom” without permission from Delhi.
He was responding to remarks by DPAP leader Shoaib Lone who is campaigning for jailed politician Engineer Rasheed, the president of Awami Itihad Party (AIP).
Er Rasheed is the candidate for the Baramulla constituency, contesting against Omar Abdullah, People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Lone and 19 others.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his public outreach programme in Baramulla, Omar said, “I am uncertain about how G N Azad managed to get approval from Delhi to campaign for Er Rasheed. I am sure he doesn’t even leave his bedroom without permission from Delhi.”
Replying to a question, the former chief minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi usually travels by helicopters and planes. “If Modi walked on foot today, he would understand the hardships faced by the people,” he said.
“Rahul Gandhi did march on foot from East to West and North to South. If Modi also walked on foot, it would be a good thing. But perhaps it is because the INDI alliance has received a positive response,” he added.
The NC leader further said that his opponents are participating in the elections solely to defeat him. “I am contesting the elections to represent the aspirations of the people in the Parliament, rather than to defeat anyone,” he said.
He questioned the purpose of participating in elections if the primary goal is to defeat someone, rather than to serve and represent the people. Omar was referring to PC chief Sajad Lone’s remarks that “my victory was not as important as Omar Abdullah’s defeat”
When asked about Er Rasheed, Abdullah said they don’t only advocate for the release of a single prisoner but for all those who are incarcerated outside. He highlighted the plight of parents who cannot afford to visit their imprisoned children due to financial constraints.
