Srinagar, Sept 25: National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah on Wednesday claimed that Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) president Er Rashid was aware in 2018 that the Government of India intended to revoke Article 370 but chose to remain silent instead of taking legal action.
Accusing Er Rashid of selling out his conscience, Omar, according to a party statement issued here, said, “It is strange that Er Rashid, in recent interviews, claimed he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an hour, during which Modi asked him to help in scrapping Article 370. Rashid responded by saying he supported Modi in all his good decisions. Had he (Er Rashid) raised the issue in 2018, legal steps could have been taken to fight against the move. He could have moved to the Supreme Court. Perhaps there might have been a verdict that would have saved Kashmir’s special status, flag, and constitution. But he chose to remain quiet.”
The former chief minister further accused Rashid, the Member of Parliament for Baramulla, of being assigned by the central government to manipulate the emotions of the people and divide votes in Kashmir. “Er Rashid claims to further the Hurriyat’s agenda, but his words and actions tell a different story. He aligns himself with those who dismantle Hurriyat’s identity, and with individuals like Sandeep Mawa, who publicly brief the press while awaiting Yasin Malik’s hanging,” he said.
Abdullah challenged the AIP chief to clarify his position on forming an alliance with the BJP if needed to form a government. “I am still waiting for that speech from him where he clearly states he won’t support the BJP. He hasn’t uttered a word,” he said.
Omar cautioned people against “repeating the mistake” of electing candidates who will “only serve to further the agenda of the BJP”.
Addressing a series of election rallies across north Kashmir in Pattan, Rafiabad and Sopore, he said, “The people of north Kashmir must choose wisely and ensure that their voices are heard and represented effectively in the assembly.”
Omar to address three rallies in Jammu tomorrow
National Conference (NC) vice president and former chief minister, Omar Abdullah will address three major public rallies in the Jammu region on Friday as part of his extensive campaign for the upcoming assembly elections, the party said on Wednesday.
The rallies, according to a party statement, will take place in Udhampur East, Vijaypur, and Jammu North constituencies, where Omar Abdullah will outline the party’s vision and commitment to the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Omar’s first rally will be held at HD Palace in Dehma, Block Khoon, Udhampur East (Constituency No. 60) at 11:30 am in support of JKNC candidate for Udhampur East, Sunil Verma.
Following this, the second rally will be conducted at Aureum Grand Hotel in Thandi Khui, Vijaypur (Constituency No. 71) at 2:00 pm in support of Rajesh Pargotra, JKNC candidate for Vijaypur Assembly constituency. This gathering is expected to focus on the local concerns of the Vijaypur region and the party’s efforts to address the ongoing challenges faced by the people, the statement said.
The final rally will take place in Jammu North (Constituency No. 79) at Thathar, near Radha Swami Ashram at 3:30 pm in support of NC candidate Ajay Kumar Sadhotra for the Jammu North Assembly segment.
“These rallies mark an important phase in the National Conference’s campaign strategy, as Omar Abdullah aims to directly connect with the electorate, offering solutions for regional challenges and reiterating the party’s commitment to restoring the dignity and special status of Jammu & Kashmir,” the party said.
