Wave in NC’s favour: Omar

Budgam, Sep 05: In a move that resonated with political significance, National Conference (NC) Vice President and former chief minister Omar Abdullah submitted his nomination papers for the Budgam constituency at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Thursday.

Accompanied by an entourage of senior party leaders and local functionaries, Abdullah’s entry into Budgam was marked by a resounding reception, reflecting the buoyant mood within the NC cadre.

Addressing party functionaries in Budgam, he sought to quell doubts about his decision to contest from two assembly seats, asserting it as a symbol of strength, not weakness.

“Contesting from two seats is not a sign of any weakness,” Abdullah said. “It is, in fact, a testament to the strength of the NC. If there were even a hint of danger in Ganderbal or Budgam, my colleagues would have advised against contesting from both.”

He was clear in his assertion that the NC was not only contesting but contesting from a position of strength.

“Whether it’s Baramulla, Srinagar, or Anantnag, the wave is in our favour. We are hopeful not just for the NC, but for the success of our alliance candidates as well,” Abdullah said, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects.

Touching upon the significance of the election, he reached out to voters with a call for unity, stressing the importance of preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s unique identity.

“I bow my head and ask for your support in upholding our dignity, identity, and the unique character of this region. The overwhelming enthusiasm I have witnessed is a powerful reminder that no hostile force will be allowed to tarnish the honour of our region,” Abdullah said.

He said that the NC’s campaign stands on the unyielding commitment of the people.

“Together, we stand strong against any attempts to diminish our spirit. The passion and dedication of the people have filled me with hope and determination. We will protect and preserve all that makes us who we are,” Abdullah said, striking a tone of resilience.

Responding to allegations made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ram Madhav, who accused NC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of receiving support from ex-terrorists, he challenged the BJP to substantiate such claims.

“The campaign has just started, and our functions are closely monitored by various intelligence agencies. If there is any proof of these baseless allegations, let them show it,” Abdullah said.

He said that if NC was elected to power, it would launch investigations into alleged corruption and misgovernance under the Lieutenant Governor’s administration.

“Our manifesto is clear: we will hold accountable those responsible for mismanagement over the last five to six years,” Abdullah said.

Expressing hope that the people will follow the example set in the parliamentary polls of participating in the elections in large numbers and not boycotting the process, he said the maps of certain constituencies were redrawn in the delimitation exercise to benefit the BJP and the voters will have to see to that.

“Most of its (delimitation) impact is seen in Jammu. Attempts have been made to change Muslim-dominated constituencies to help the BJP, but it remains to be seen how much it would benefit the BJP. We are hopeful that people will participate in the elections in large numbers,” Abdullah said. “It used to be said that the NC benefits from boycott. But, we did not see any boycott in the parliamentary polls and we won two out of three. God willing, there will be no boycott this time also and NC will succeed.”

About Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on contracts in J&K going into the hands of non-locals, he said that the people of J&K had a right to their resources.

“Outsiders should not get any contracts. They do not do it in other states. Let them do it in Ladakh. There are different sets of laws for Ladakh and for J&K even though we were created from a single state, by the same order. A non-local cannot buy land or work there or take contracts, but that rule is not applicable for J&K,” Abdullah said.

Earlier, addressing NC workers here, he said that the assembly election was a fight for “our identity and if we don’t fight for it, all the development has no meaning.”

“New Delhi will try its best to muzzle our voices. Those who stayed away from elections throughout their lives have suddenly started believing in democracy,” he said, referring to the participation of some former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami.

Asking people to stop the BJP from forming the government in J&K, Abdullah said his party needs to get at least 60 to 70 seats in the elections.

“The assembly that is going to be formed won't be the same, it won't have the same powers. But we will put our best show to revive back that strong assembly of ours,” he said.

Member of Parliament from Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, NC Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, senior party leader Aga Syed Mehmood, and Provincial Secretary Showkat Mir accompanied the former chief minister at the time of filing of his nomination papers from Budgam assembly constituency.