In poll-bound Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah today said that the relationship between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the BJP — who formed an alliance in 2014 — “remains intact.”
Addressing a rally in Budgam, Omar said all political forces were united against the NC, but asserted that his party stood firm on its principles.
Budgam will go to the polls on November 11, with the contest largely expected to be between the ruling NC’s candidate Agha Mehmood and the PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi.
“Today, all the powers are against us. Every speech — from the BJP, PDP, Apni Party, or independents — is targeted at the NC because we did not betray like them,” Omar said, addressing a gathering.
Recalling the 2014 assembly polls, Omar said the PDP had sought votes to keep the BJP out, but later “joined hands with them the very next day.” In contrast, he said, the NC had stayed true to its promise of opposing the BJP.
He questioned the PDP and Apni Party’s silence in Nagrota — which would also see bypoll on the same day — saying, “if they are really against the BJP, where are their candidates in Nagrota,” he questioned.
“Here, they (PDP) deceive the Kashmiris and remain silent there (Nagrota). Think about it. Because their old relationship which was established in 2014, that relationship is still there,” Omar said.“If it wasn’t there, Mehbooba Mufti Sahiba would be giving a speech in Nagrota. She would have fielded a candidate in Nagrota.”
Omar said that NC last year asked people to vote for them to keep the BJP out and they kept them out.
Omar also defended the use of electric meters amid growing criticism from political opponents, saying the device was necessary to ensure transparency and implement the party’s promise of free electricity.
“Today, our opponents are targeting us over electric meters. If I wanted, I could have shut them down, but I didn’t. We have promised that those using less than 200 units will get free power — but how will we know who uses 200 units if there’s no meter?” he asked.
The Chief Minister said meters help reduce inflated bills and promote fair usage. “If you don’t want the meter, don’t use it, but then don’t blame Agha Mehmood or me when bills rise,” he cautioned, accusing rival parties of using the issue for political gains.
Omar added that the NC would not force people to install meters but stressed their importance in ensuring that promised benefits reach genuine consumers.
Later talking to media, Omar said the atmosphere was in his party’s favour and hoped to win both bypoll seats.
“God willing, both seats… I think the atmosphere is in our favour,” Omar said, urging party workers to intensify their efforts in the final days of campaigning. “Only two-three days are left. We must work a little harder to consolidate the support we have built so far,” he added.
When asked about party MP Aga Ruhullah opting out of the Budgam campaign, Omar said he has never forced anyone to campaign.
“Those who want to campaign will do so, and those who don’t, won’t. I have never forced anyone.. But when we succeed, those who didn’t support us in this success will not be part of our happiness,” he said.
