National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah has accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of hindering the simultaneous conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the region, sparking a political debate. Abdullah made the allegations while addressing reporters in south Kashmir’s Kulgam.
Expressing disappointment, Abdullah stated, “It is very sad that the government of Jammu and Kashmir sabotaged simultaneous conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections here. They don’t want people to have their own elected government.”
Despite the setback, Abdullah expressed optimism, referencing the Supreme Court’s directive to the Central Government to hold Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by or before September 30, 2024.
In response to Abdullah’s remarks, Kavinder Gupta, former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and senior BJP leader, defended the government’s position. “We too want assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, but the Election Commission has provided a valid clarification for the delay. Security is a major concern here, so he should wait for some more time. Let’s see, the people of Jammu and Kashmir will give him a reply too,” Gupta asserted.
Abdullah, also a former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, announced that the National Conference would unveil its candidates for the Lok Sabha elections at an “appropriate time,” adding that the party’s election campaign had commenced in the southern district of Kulgam.
Furthermore, Abdullah criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that targeting minorities during elections was an “age-old method” of the saffron party.
He contended that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was designed to marginalize not only Muslims but also other minority communities residing in the country.
The exchange between Abdullah and Gupta underscores the political tensions surrounding the electoral landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.
