Ganderbal, Sep 02: National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah said on Monday that if his party comes to power, there will be a halt and a review of the widespread opening of liquor shops in Kashmir.
After filing the nomination papers for the party’s candidate, Mian Mehr Ali, for the upcoming elections in Kangan in Ganderbal district, Omar said the rampant opening of liquor shops should be stopped.
Speaking to the media persons here, he assured that a review would be conducted if the National Conference formed the government.
Regarding recent political developments, the former chief minister commented on the inclusion of Hurriyat leaders in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He said that ideologies seem to be shifting as elections approach.
“Those who once called for an election boycott are now ready to participate,” he said.
When asked about the inclusion of Hurriyat leader Syed Saleem Geelani in the PDP, Abdullah said there is an apparent change in their ideological stance.
Omar also responded to statements made by Satya Pal Malik, the former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, about Ram Madhav’s involvement in leading the BJP’s election campaign in J&K.
He said the former governor had close connections with the ruling party at the Centre. “He (Malik) would have more insight, as the BJP had deployed him in Jammu & Kashmir and whatever transpired in 2019 occurred during his tenure.”
The NC leader also said that Ram Madhav has close ties with the PDP. “He (Madhav) was instrumental in forming the BJP-PDP alliance in 2015,” he said.
