Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday alleged that the ‘delimitation exercise in the Union Territory was carried out to politically benefit the BJP and its allies’.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar claimed the process had adversely affected his party and reflected the BJP’s political intentions. He also accused the opposition of using the issue of statehood for political pressure and “blackmail politics.”
The Chief Minister said the delay in cabinet expansion was linked to the non-restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and not due to any political fear or internal differences within the National Conference.
Rejecting reports of any rift in the party, Omar said all National Conference MLAs remain united and loyal to the party leadership. Referring to political developments in other states, he remarked that there was “no Eknath Shinde” in the National Conference.
He further alleged that the Leader of Opposition was eager to assume power in Jammu and Kashmir and claimed the BJP would not allow smooth governance or restoration of statehood unless it formed the government.
Omar also referred to Supreme Court judgments and constitutional conventions, saying the single largest party should be invited to form the government after elections and given an opportunity to prove its majority on the floor of the House.
Citing the example of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said democratic procedures should be respected and governments should be allowed to prove their majority in the Assembly.(KINS)
