Omar Abdullah asks PDP to withdraw its candidates, support NC

Srinagar, Aug 25: National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah Sunday asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to withdraw its candidates and support NC and emphasised the party's unwavering commitment to pursuing the fight to reclaim Articles 370 and 35A.

Welcoming a political activist Sayim Mustafa into the NC fold at a public meeting at Nunar, Ganderbal, Abdullah criticised the PDP President saying, “Mehbooba Ji claims that if the NC accepts her agenda, she will not field her candidates and will instead support the NC and the Congress. However, upon examining the PDP manifesto released yesterday, it is evident that it simply copies the NC’s manifesto.

The PDP has essentially incorporated our agenda into their own, blurring the lines between their agenda and ours. Therefore, I urge them to withdraw their candidates and join forces with us to create a brighter future for J&K."

He said that it was crucial to distinguish between mere rhetoric and actual action.

“Let us not forget that it was the NC that provided unconditional support to the PDP in keeping the BJP out of government in 2015. This was a significant gesture of support that should not be overlooked,” Abdullah said.

Emphasising the importance of the upcoming assembly elections, he said, “While the outcome of our efforts may be uncertain, we cannot shirk our duty to serve the people. We will not stand idly by as our youth grapple with unemployment, our families endure hardships, and our children lack access to education. We must persist in our fight while also addressing the needs of our community.”

Abdullah underscored the critical importance of unity and the detrimental effects of division at this pivotal moment.

He emphasised the missed opportunities and privileges that “have slipped through our fingers due to our lack of cohesion.”

“If we had stood together, we could have proudly flown our flag, enacted our laws, and maintained a special status within the Indian constitution. However, our disunity has silenced our collective voice, leaving us vulnerable to the challenges we now face. We must stand vigilant and united to protect our interests in all circumstances. Let us acknowledge our past errors and strive towards a future that is stronger and more unified,” Abdullah said.

“Reaffirming our commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by the people, we have promised to address these issues head-on. Our manifesto has been presented to the public, outlining our plans to provide 200 units of free electricity and clean drinking water to those in need. Additionally, we have devised a comprehensive program to tackle unemployment and have pledged to distribute 12 free gas cylinders to the less fortunate.

We also aim to restore the supply of sugar and kerosene while increasing the ration for those struggling to make ends meet. Let us work together to bring about positive change and prosperity for all,” he said.

Abdullah said that NC would also make efforts to reduce the current atmosphere of fear and pressure.

“For passports, jobs, and bank loans, our youth are being harassed in the name of CID verification. We will correct it. Our manifesto is before you and to implement it, full cooperation and participation of the people is needed in the assembly elections and I hope that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will make their native party NC a great success,” he said.

Abdullah pledged to alleviate the prevailing atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and pressure.

He promised to address the issue of harassment faced by the youth during CID verification processes for passports, job applications, and bank loans.

“The NC’s manifesto outlines our vision for a better future, but we cannot achieve it without the full cooperation and participation of the people in the upcoming assembly elections. We are counting on the people of J&K to support their native party, the NC, and help us achieve great success. Let’s work together to bring about positive change and progress for our region,” Abdullah said.

“I am hopeful that Sayim’s joining the NC fold will further strengthen the party's traditional base and long-standing presence in the district Ganderbal," he said.

The meeting was organised by Saim Mustafa and attended by NC Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Members of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmed and Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Political Advisor to Vice President Mudassar Shahmiri, District President Ghulam Nabi Rather, and Constituency Incharge Sheikh Ghiyasuddin.