Kulgam: National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah criticised the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday, accusing them of obstructing the assembly polls in the union territory. He alleged that the current government wants to continue ruling without accountability.
“We wanted assembly elections to happen simultaneously with Lok Sabha elections. But, it didn’t happen. The current Jammu and Kashmir government sabotaged it because they don’t want to give power back to the people. They’re ruling as if they’re kings,” Abdullah stated while starting the party’s election campaign for Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary constituency.
Addressing party workers earlier in Damhal Hanjipora, he mentioned bureaucrats creating obstacles for holding assembly elections. “Our officers claimed there weren’t enough security arrangements, but if the situation is normal, as they say, then elections should have been held,” he added.
Despite these challenges, Abdullah acknowledged that the Election Commission must conduct the assembly polls by September 30, as mandated by the Supreme Court following petitions related to the revocation of Article 370.
Regarding concerns about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Abdullah emphasized the need for vigilance against tampering. Responding to queries about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), he criticized BJP’s approach, stating that it discriminates against minorities.
Regarding the status of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Abdullah affirmed its continuity. He also addressed speculation about Mian Altaf Ahmad’s candidacy, stating that candidate announcements would come in due time.
He criticised BJP’s approach to delimitation, likening it to divide and rule tactics. Regarding electoral funding, Abdullah highlighted disparities in funds received by different parties, stressing the importance of people’s support over financial resources.
