Poll date rescheduling attempt to deprive Gujjar, Bakarwal tribes of voting: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Rajouri, May 1: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah today alleged that the poll date rescheduling in Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency is an attempt to deprive Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes of their voting right.

He was addressing series of public meetings at Thanamandi, Kotranka Rajouri. “ ECI has rescheduled the poll date and I would not prefer to speak much on this decision . But people of Anantnag-Rajouri will give a big blow to those hatching conspiracy to deprive Gujjar-Bakarwal population of exercising their franchise,” Dr Farooq Abdullah said.

He stated that BJP and its allies have developed cold feet due to the ground swell of support on ground for NC. “In reality BJP is in panic mode as it is losing badly in the ensuing elections. It has already lost Udhampur and Jammu seats. BJP stands wiped out in the plains of Jammu. They fear that they are losing this election too and scared of it, their only strategy is now to defer the polls. Deferring polls is to benefit the BJP and its allies but all such nefarious designs will not yield anticipated results as people will dust their plans and vote against them," NC president said.

He further exhorted people to remain cautious of BJP and its designs. "They can go to any extent to grab power. “They will create divisions between communities to achieve their end. BJP is leaving no stone unturned to grab power by playing communal card in order to prevail upon common and poor masses through exploitive means, but people are determined to give them a befitting reply and will never allow them to grab power," Dr Farooq said.