J&K elections: Omar Abdullah files nomination from Budgam

Srinagar, Sep 04: National Conference Vice President, Omar Abdullah on Thursday filed his nomination papers from the Budgam assembly seat too, becoming the first politician to contest from two seats in this election.

Yesterday, Omar filed his nomination papers from Ganderbal assembly seat, which he has represented three times as a Member of Parliament, and once as legislator.

During his address in Ganderbal, Omar made an emotional appeal to the voters in Ganderbal to make him successful in the upcoming assembly polls.

Mr Abdullah removed his skull cap and appealed to the voters literally with ‘folded hands’ to elect him from the seat.

"I have filled the (nomination) papers from Ganderbal. Let's not talk about who is contesting from where. The people of Ganderbal have elected me thrice as a member of Parliament and once as an MLA. I gave up my seat to Ishfaq Jabbar only because I promised him to do so and then he became an MLA but he cheated the people of Ganderbal. Today, we are going to fight elections for the development of Ganderbal," Abdullah said after filling his nomination.

Sources told Greater Kashmir that Mr Abdullah has travelled to Budgam to file his nomination papers.

Reports had earlier said that the party’s decision to field Abdullah from the constituency has caused unrest among party members and supporters, with senior NC leader Aga Syed Mehmood expressing dissatisfaction with the decision.