SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday stated that he was obliged to contest from two constituencies, including Budgam, in the Assembly elections. He clarified that the people of Budgam were always informed about his decision and emphasized that, even though he did not ultimately represent the constituency, Budgam was never neglected in terms of development.
Speaking to reporters in Budgam after National Conference candidate Aga Syed Mehmood submitted his nomination for the Budgam Assembly by-election, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he was “compelled to contest two seats in the Assembly elections, including Budgam,” but stressed that he never kept the people of Budgam uninformed.
He added that Budgam continued to be a key focus of his government’s development efforts. “Budgam was not neglected on the development front. We didn’t abandon Budgam. I simply had no choice but to vacate one seat,” the Chief Minister said.
When asked whether former MLA Aga Ruhullah Mehdi would support the campaign for the NC candidate, Omar Abdullah said, “Aga Mehmood has made it clear, and our candidate hopes that Aga Ruhullah will participate in campaigning for the party.”
