Srinagar, Apr 12: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Friday dared the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to compete in the Lok Sabha elections in the Kashmir Valley, stating that he would leave politics if the BJP candidates failed to retain their security deposits.
He suggested that if the BJP truly believes in its development claims and the normalcy of the region, it should not hesitate to field candidates in the valley’s three seats.
Omar was addressing a press conference after NC President Farooq Abdullah announced Omar Abdullah as the candidate for the North Kashmir constituency and Agha Ruhullah Mehdi for Central Kashmir.
Responding to accusations from the BJP that the NC, PDP, and Congress have not contributed positively to Jammu and Kashmir, the former chief minister invited the saffron party to prove its worth by contesting the elections without relying on proxy candidates.
Omar, accompanied by his father Farooq Abdullah and other senior NC leaders, questioned the BJP’s efforts to defeat them and mentioned a meeting between BJP’s Tarun Chugh and Apni Party’s Altaf Bukhari, implying that the BJP is trying to unite various parties against the NC.
He explained his decision to contest from Baramulla, stating that his previous assembly segment, Beerwah, is now part of the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat after recent boundary changes. He said his campaign is not against any individual but against the Central government’s tactics.
The NC leader also commented on the Congress’s support for the party in the valley, confirming mutual support for each other’s candidates in different seats. He criticised the Central government’s approach to J&K’s statehood and the delay in holding elections, saying it was not a favour but a necessity for them.
Regarding the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, Abdullah said the NC is prepared to contest, but the BJP seems uncertain about its candidate, often changing its stance.
Agha Ruhullah Mehdi, the NC’s candidate for Srinagar, expressed his intention to resonate with the people’s sentiments and be their voice, especially concerning the abrogation of Article 370.
Mehdi also spoke about the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), expressing a desire for unity and introspection among the parties.
Omar concluded by stating that the NC is open to forming alliances for the upcoming assembly elections.
