Omar Abdullah welcomes reports of JeI contesting assembly elections

Ganderbal, Aug 25: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Sunday welcomed the reports of some leaders of banned Jamaat- e- Islami ( JeI) contesting assembly elections as independent candidates.

He said that the beauty of democracy is that anyone can contest polls. “ It is the specialty of democracy, everyone has the right to contest election. I read the news that Jamaat-e-Islami was hoping for lifting on ban on them, so that they would be fielding their candidates. But the ban was not lifted before the sounding of election bugle.

Now they would be fielding independent candidates, we wanted them to field their candidates under their symbol, but let them field independent candidates. It is up to the people whom they want to vote,” Omar told media persons in Ganderbal where he addressed a party convention where prominent social political activist Sayim Mustafa joined the party.

Omar Abdullah welcomed the development that Home Mminister Amit Shah has read the manifesto of the National Conference and he mentioned about the same. “I thank Home Minister Amit Shah for mentioning our manifesto. After his comments I once again went through our manifesto and ensured if we have not missed anything. A person like home minister of the country reading one parties manifesto is big achievement for us,” he said.

your manifesto. You have already accepted our agenda and now there is not much of a difference between your agenda and our agenda. Then do not field candidates and come, we will build a better tomorrow for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

On the occasion, Member of Parliament Mian Altaf, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, Provincial President Nasir Aslam, senior leaders Sheikh Gayaz Din and others were present.