SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President, Omar Abdullah, on Wednesday, said that the BJP is engaged in fielding proxies against the party.
He questioned why the BJP hasn’t announced any candidates for the three seats in the valley if their claims are accurate.
Abdullah made these remarks while addressing a public gathering in Larnoo Kokernag, soliciting support for the party’s candidate, Mian Altaf Ahmed, for the Anantnag Rajouri parliamentary constituency.
The meeting was organised by Larnoo’s in-charge, Chaudhary Zaffar. The nominated candidate, Mian Altaf Ahmed, Party Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, political advisor Mudassar Shahmiri, South Zone President Syed Tauqeer Ahmed, District President Anantnag Altaf Ahmed Wani, Ghulam Nabi Butt Adigami, DDC members, local office bearers, youth and women wing representatives were also present.
Omar Abdullah emphasised, “In the upcoming parliamentary elections, numerous candidates from various parties will compete, each claiming to represent the people. While all parties will attempt to attract voters with promises and slogans, it is up to the people to make an informed choice.”
Continuing his address, Abdullah stated, “May 7 is the voting day for the Anantnag Rajouri parliamentary constituency. On that day, voters will need to listen to all the candidates, assess them, and then decide who is the best candidate. Conspiracies will be plotted, and various claims will be made. There is no shortage of aspirants for this seat, but upon examination of their character, communication style, interaction with people, party affiliation, and past representation in the constituency, it will become apparent that no other candidate can represent this constituency better than Mian Altaf Ahmed.”
Abdullah further highlighted that Anantnag Rajouri is a seat encompassing both sides of the mountain, and Mian Altaf Ahmed is the only candidate capable of representing people on both sides.
He pointed out the anomaly in the current election scenario, saying, “On one hand, BJP claims progress and happiness in the region post-August 5, 2019, yet they are not fielding candidates here but are instead busy promoting local proxies and forming alliances. Why does BJP feel the need to support another party? Why are they not fielding their own candidates in the valley? What compels Tarun Chug to form alliances with the Apni Party and the People’s Conference?”
Abdullah cautioned the public, stating that although the BJP is not directly contesting in the Valley, voting for its proxies would essentially be voting for the BJP.
He added, “The Prime Minister recently claimed in Udhampur that after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unprecedented development, contradicting this, it’s essential to acknowledge that Article 370 granted land ownership rights to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Thanks to this article, poverty rates are the lowest in the country. Despite facing challenges, such as 30 years of militancy, the region has not experienced famine, all thanks to Article 370. While free education initiatives are now starting in other parts of the country, Jammu and Kashmir pioneered free education from schools to universities.”
