Srinagar: Omar Abdullah, vice President of the National Conference, has characterized the recent Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election results as a broad disapproval of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) actions in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, during a media interview in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah stated that the election outcome represents a rejection of the BJP’s policies implemented on August 5, 2019. “And I am also including all the seats outside the BJP’s kitty-whether bagged by independents, the Peoples Democratic Party, or the alliance. This is a rejection of what the BJP did,” he explained.
In response to a question about his commitment to pursuing a resolution in the assembly to restore statehood and reverse the revocation of Article 370, Abdullah suggested that such a resolution should originate from the cabinet rather than waiting for assembly debate. He emphasized the importance of the cabinet being clear on the restoration of statehood.
Further addressing inquiries about his political strategy, Abdullah noted, “In the initial phase, we will do whatever we can. But I don’t believe we will remain a union territory. The prime minister is on record committing statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has said it is a three-step process: delimitation, elections, and statehood. Two steps have been completed; now it’s time for the third.”
He also commented on the inclusivity of the government, stressing that it must serve all residents of Jammu and Kashmir, not just those who supported his party. “If it only serves those who voted for us, then what about the 70 percent of Srinagar who didn’t vote at all? People exercised their democratic choice in Jammu, and we respect that,” he asserted.