Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference (NC), addressed the media today in Ganderbal, asserting his commitment to the electoral process and appealing for re-election from the constituency. Abdullah emphasized that his approach to elections is always earnest and expressed hope that the residents of Ganderbal will support him once again.
In his statement, Abdullah highlighted the unified front against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), advocating for a coalition in the Pir Panjal region to prevent BJP’s dominance. “We are standing united against the BJP and believe that forming an alliance is crucial for the Pir Panjal areas,” he said.
Responding to criticisms that he has compromised his principles for political gain, Abdullah pointed out that such allegations are coming from his own relatives. “If those criticizing me were truly principled, they would have stayed out of the political fray as well,” he asserted.
Abdullah acknowledged the limitations of the current Union Territory (UT) assembly but stressed the importance of strengthening it through effective representation. “While the UT assembly may lack certain powers, it is through our active participation that we can work to enhance its role,” he explained.
Addressing a question about the role of the Chief Minister, Abdullah clarified that the current focus is on electing an MLA. “We are not electing a Chief Minister at this stage. Our priority is to ensure that our candidate is elected as an MLA, after which we will decide on the Chief Minister’s position post-October 4,” he said.
On the matter of Er Rashid’s legal troubles and the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) concerns about witness tampering, Abdullah stated, “The decision regarding bail is a matter for the court, not the voters. News from Delhi cannot remain concealed forever. According to my knowledge, the court is unlikely to heed the NIA’s objections. We will have to wait until September 4 to see if there are any conditions attached to Rashid’s bail,” he added.
Abdullah also referenced the case of Dr. Farooq Abdullah, noting that despite initial reluctance from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to drop charges, the court’s verdict was ultimately respected and implemented.
As the election approaches, Abdullah’s remarks underscore his resolve to secure his position in Ganderbal and navigate the complex political landscape in the region.
