BUDGAM BYPOLLS: Can’t deliver free power without meters: Omar Abdullah

Budgam, Nov 7: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday made it clear that households refusing to install electric meters would not be eligible for the government’s benefit of 200 units of free electricity, saying political propaganda—particularly by the PDP—was misleading the public for electoral gain.

Speaking to reporters in Budgam ahead of the by-elections, Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens while ensuring accountability and transparency. “We have pledged to provide 200 units of free electricity to every household, but this cannot be implemented without meters being installed,” he said.

He urged people not to fall prey to political misinformation. “If you choose not to install a meter, that is your decision. But when we start supplying 200 units of free electricity and your home remains unmetered, you will not receive the benefit. Then you should hold accountable those who have played politics over this issue,” he said.

The Chief Minister said certain political parties, particularly the PDP, were exploiting the issue of smart meters to stir public anger. “They have nothing to offer except deceit and falsehoods. Our government’s objective is to bring relief, efficiency, and fairness to every household,” Abdullah said.

PDP Betrayed Public Mandate in 2014

At an election rally in Budgam, Abdullah accused the opposition of uniting against the NC and Agha Mehmood, its candidate for the constituency. “All the opposition forces have come together to defeat the NC. Our only fault is that we have stood firm on our foundation—to keep the BJP out of power,” he said.

He recalled the events of the 2014 Assembly elections, alleging that the PDP had betrayed the voters’ trust by forming a post-poll alliance with the BJP. “They went door to door telling people to vote for them to keep the BJP out, but after elections, they brought the BJP into power and began dismantling Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said.

He contrasted this with the NC’s record. “We sought votes in 2024 on the same pledge—to keep the BJP out—and we have honoured it. That is the difference between the PDP and the NC,” he said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that his government had fulfilled its pre-poll promise to bring a resolution seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. “The first Assembly session passed the resolution, and a copy has already been handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.

Internal Rifts, Nagrota Contest, and Budgam Development

Responding to a query about the absence of NC’s Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi from the campaign, Abdullah said his party does not compel anyone to participate. “Those who wish to campaign do so of their own will, and those who don’t are free not to. But when we win, those who stood by us will share the credit,” he said.

He also accused the PDP of indirectly supporting the BJP by not fielding a candidate in the Nagrota bypoll. “If they truly oppose the BJP, why have they left the field open? Only NC and BJP are contesting there,” he pointed out.

Abdullah, who vacated the Budgam Assembly seat after winning from Ganderbal, said he had initially been against contesting from two constituencies. “I had told my colleagues I would not contest from two seats, but the time will come when I will share the full story,” he said.

On local development, Abdullah announced that the government was working to establish a new university in Budgam by 2025. He also revealed that talks were underway with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to develop an international cricket ground and academy in the district.

“Budgam deserves the best in education, sports, and infrastructure, and our government is determined to make it happen,” he said.

Prominent leaders, including Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo, MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmed Khan Gurezi, MLA Chadoora Ali Muhammad Dar, MLA Uri Dr. Sajjad Shafi, MLA Sonawari Advocate Hilal Lone, MLA Lal Chowk Ahsan Pardesi, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, MLA Baramulla Dr. Muhammad Shafi, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen, MLA Khan Sahib Saifuddin Butt, MLA Devsar Pirzada Feroz Ahmed, District President Budgam Ghulam Nabi Butt, DDC Nasir Lone, and other senior leaders were also present at the gatherings.