PDP benefiting BJP in polls: Omar Abdullah

Shopian, Apr 22: Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Monday alleged that by joining the electoral fray PDP is benefitting the BJP.

Addressing public rallies in south Kashmir's Shopian and Kulgam district, Omar also crticised PDP for forming alliance with BJP in past.

He said that NC extended its unconditional support to PDP in 2015, but they chose to form the government with BJP. "In 2015, when the election results were announced, NC and Congress extended their unconditional support to PDP for full six years, but they accused us of trying to run the government from the back door," Omar said.

He criticised Mehbooba for claiming during her tenure that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi could resolve all the issue.

"In the assembly, she profusely praised Modi", Omar said. He said that nothing was resolved, instead "our identity and dignity were demolished". Omar said that because of the article 370 land ownership rights were given to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "Land reforms were carried out only in Jammu and Kashmir in the entire country, but today this land faces an imminent danger," he said.

Referring to the recent railroad being constructed in the Shopian, Omar said, "We are not opposed to infrastructure development like roads and railways, but such tracks are being laid through our land and our future is tied with this land."the NC leader said.

Omar said that attempts are being made to drive wedge between communities. "It is said that Hindus are in danger. Hindusis make up 80 percent of population while Muslims are only 14 percent. One fails to understand how this scant percentage could be threat to Hindus,"he asked.

Launching a tirade against the BJP government, Omar said that it was the first time since independence that there was not a single Muslim minister in the Union cabinet.He said that the NC joined the INDIA block to fight against the divisive forces who spew venom; spread hatred and create an atmosphere of fear.

"We did not join INDIA alliance or PAGD for securing seats but to fight against such a situation", he said. Omar said that unfortunately some parties joined them whose only motive was to get seats. He urged the people to vote for the NC candidate Mian Altaf in the upcoming LoK Sabha polls.

Prominent among others who addressed the rallies included Main Altaf, Imarn Nabi Dar and Showkat Genai.