Vice-President of the National Conference (NC) Omar Abdullah, on Saturday castigated the central government for the long-delayed election in J&K.
He was addressing a gathering at Damhal Hanjipora in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on the 29th death anniversary of Wali Mohd Itoo – former Speaker of Legislative Assembly. Itoo was assassinated in Jammu on March 18, 1994. He was the father of former minister and NC State Secretary Sakina Itoo.
Besides, Omar; Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani: MP Hasnain Masoodi; Sakina Itoo; Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, and other party leaders attended the program and paid tributes to their fallen leader.
Speaking on the occasion, Omar stated that it has been eight years since an elected government has been in place.
“In 2014, I asked this government only to postpone the elections because floods had devastated Kashmir, but they refused. They quickly responded, stating that the elections cannot be delayed. Today, I’m wondering why there’s been such a long delay,” he said.
The former Chief Minister stated that delimitation was completed as constituencies were rearranged at their discretion. “Then they said voter list is to be updated and then the establishment of polling booths. After that it was winter. but what it is now that is impeding the election in J&K?” he questioned.
Abdullah was quick to answer his own question. “BJP is scared and doesn’t want to face the people of J&K. They understand that people will reject them both here and in Jammu,” he said.
Referring to the recent all-party meeting led by Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah said Dr Farooq brought all parties together even those who did not want to sit together. “Dr Farooq connected left, right centre and if anybody was absent from it. it was BJP and their A and B teams,” he said.
