Urges people to cast votes in huge numbers
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Mar 18: Vice-President of the National Conference (NC) and former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, today accused the J&K Government of sabotaging the process of conducting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously.
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Speaking to the media after a public rally in Damhal Hanjipora in Kulgam, junior Abdullah alleged that the current dispensation does not want the power to return to the people of J&K.
“We wanted both the elections to be held at the same time, but it did not happen; the current Government of J&K sabotaged it. They do not want power to return to the people; they have become ‘be-taaj badshah’,” he said.
However, he was quick to mention the directives of the Supreme Court, according to which, the Government has to conduct the elections by or before September.
The NC leader also referred to what was said by the Election Commissioner regarding the conduct of Assembly elections in J&K—after announcing the poll schedule for Lok Sabha polls—which have last been held in 2014, nearly a decade ago.
“Fortunately, there are directions from the Supreme Court regarding the Assembly elections, and they will have to conduct the elections by September. Even the Election Commissioner has made it clear that elections will be held on time,” he said.
Earlier, while addressing the people, Omar said that the BJP is thinking that fewer votes would be cast on the other side of the tunnel. He urged people not to stay away from polling and to come out in huge numbers.
“Do not repeat that mistake; no one will threaten you; no one will prevent you from coming out to cast your votes; we have to show the world that we do not accept the August 5, 2019 decision; come out in huge numbers and defeat their designs,” he said.
He termed the Lok Sabha elections ‘semi-final’ and said that the ‘final’ is going to be held in August or September, hinting at the conduct of Assembly elections in J&K as per the SC directives. “Whatever they have done to us, injustice, excesses, we will set things right,” he said.
He further accused the BJP of targeting minorities, especially before the elections, terming the implementation of CAA as a step in that direction.
“BJP is known for targeting minorities ahead of elections; CAA is another step in that direction; I have already said that it is not only against Muslims, but other minorities as well,” he said.
On the issue of EVMs, which are currently under discussion across the country with the matter also brought before the Supreme Court, Omar said the use of EVMs will continue even if he complains about them.
“Even if I complain about the EVMs, they are still going to use them; the ECI is not ready for a paper ballot; however, on the ground, we will have to ensure that these machines are kept safe.”
It is to be noted here that on the occasion, apart from other leaders, he was joined by Mian Altaf, who is likely to be the party’s candidate for Anantnag–Rajouri Lok Sabha seat “We have started the campaign today; however, we will announce the candidate at the right time,” he clarified.
On a question regarding PAGD whether it exists, he said that it stands very well and its members are also going to meet in a few days.
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