Srinagar, Sep 5: National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah defended his decision to contest from two assembly seats, asserting that it reflects the party’s strength rather than weakness. Speaking to reporters after filing his nomination papers for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections from Ganderbal and Budgam, Abdullah emphasized that his dual candidacy was a strategic move to showcase the party’s robust position in the upcoming polls.
“My colleagues and I wanted to demonstrate that the NC is approaching this election from a position of strength,” Abdullah said. “Contesting from two seats is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our confidence in our party’s appeal.”
Abdullah, a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, addressed concerns over his potential vulnerability in Budgam, stating that his party’s decision to field him in both constituencies reflects its belief in his strong standing. He highlighted a positive wave in favor of the NC across key regions, including Baramulla, Srinagar, and Anantnag, and expressed optimism about securing success for both his party and alliance candidates.
The NC has formed an alliance with the Congress for the three-phase assembly elections. Abdullah reassured supporters that the ground situation is favorable for his party, rejecting comparisons to previous elections where predictions fell short.
Responding to BJP general secretary Ram Madhav’s allegations that ex-militants are campaigning for the NC and PDP, Abdullah challenged Madhav to provide evidence to support his claims. He criticized Madhav for suggesting that ex-militants hold influence over voter decisions and pointed out that the campaign is closely monitored by various intelligence agencies.
Abdullah expressed disbelief at the notion that actions taken by New Delhi in August 2019 had left ex-militants in a position of power, implying that such claims undermine the significance of those actions.
Looking ahead, Abdullah vowed that an NC-led government would initiate investigations into allegations of corruption and mis-governance during the previous lieutenant governor’s rule. He promised that the assembly would address concerns raised in the party’s manifesto regarding administrative discrepancies and corruption.
Addressing internal party dissent, Abdullah acknowledged the challenges within the alliance with Congress, noting that some expected friction had emerged. Despite this, he expressed gratitude for the commitment shown by party members and reiterated his confidence in the electorate’s decision-making.
Finally, Abdullah urged voters to engage in the election process, citing concerns about the impact of the delimitation exercise, which he claimed was designed to benefit the BJP. He called on voters to participate in large numbers and remain vigilant against any attempts to alter constituency dynamics.
As the election campaign progresses, Abdullah remains focused on showcasing the NC’s strengths and addressing the issues at the forefront of the electoral battle.
Omar Abdullah Defends Dual Candidacy: Shows NC’s Strength, Not Weakness
