SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of inflicting the greatest harm on the region by downgrading it from a State to a Union Territory.
“No party has damaged Jammu Kashmir more than the BJP. We are the unfortunate people who were demoted from a State to a Union Territory. The PDP sought votes in 2014 to keep the BJP out, yet it later allied with them,” Omar said while addressing a public rally in Budgam.
The Chief Minister asserted that the National Conference (NC) had remained steadfast and refused to compromise. “We are being punished because we did not join hands with the BJP. We are the only party willing to confront them,” he added.
Omar accused the former PDP-led government of introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Jammu Kashmir, claiming the decline began long before 2019. He questioned whether the PDP had ever apologised for its alliance with the BJP and alleged that parties such as the PDP, BJP, and Apni Party were unfairly targeting the NC.
He also criticised the PDP for not fielding a candidate in the Nagrota by-election, questioning its sincerity in opposing the BJP. “Even Congress withdrew after four days. We ultimately fielded our own candidate,” he said.
Unveiling development plans for Budgam, Omar announced that his government intends to establish a new university and a BCCI-affiliated cricket academy and stadium in the district. “Budgam is ideally located near the airport, bypass and railway line, making it the perfect site for these projects,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the district, Omar said he had not abandoned Budgam after vacating the seat. “I worked here for a year, spending over Rs 110 crore on road macadamisation, sports, and infrastructure. Under Aga Mahmood’s leadership, a new era of development will begin,” he stated.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, Omar said his administration had delivered on several promises, including free bus travel for women, enhanced marriage assistance, an updated examination calendar, and the waiver of stamp duty.
Urging people to support the National Conference candidate, he said, “On November 11, press the NC button and say Bismillah. When you vote for Aga Mahmood, you are voting for me too.”
Responding to media queries, Omar said North Kashmir lacked parliamentary representation as MP Engineer Abdul Rashid remained in jail. Commenting on Rashid’s son Abrar’s remarks about alleged rigging in the 1987 elections, Omar said, “He wasn’t even born then. Instead, he should explain why North Kashmir has no representation despite his father’s victory.”
