National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah has criticized Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent announcement that the BJP will not field candidates from Kashmir in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Abdullah remarked that the move reflects a failure on the part of the BJP to connect with the people of Jammu and Kashmir since the controversial decision of August 5, 2019.
Abdullah, a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, questioned the BJP’s decision, highlighting that the party contested the 2019 elections in the region but is now abstaining from the current polls. “Does this indicate an admission by the BJP that they have failed to win the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir after August 5, 2019?” Abdullah questioned.
In a pointed critique aimed at the BJP-led central government, Abdullah emphasized that the decisions made on August 5, 2019, have only deepened anger and alienation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah further criticized the BJP’s indirect involvement in the elections, stating, “Had BJP left the ground, it would have some meaning, but this is not the case. They are commanding the situation from the back.”
Referring to BJP leader Tarun Chugh’s visits and meetings with local political leaders, Abdullah expressed skepticism. “Tarun Chugh is continuously visiting Kashmir and meeting political leaders here. Everyone knows their association with the BJP,” he remarked.
Regarding interactions with Chugh, Abdullah affirmed that their doors are closed to him. “Neither will he visit us, nor will we grant him entry. This highlights the distinction between Altaf Bukhari and the National Conference,” Abdullah concluded.