Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on the National Conference (NC) manifesto, party leader Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude to Shah for bringing attention to their agenda but criticized him for selectively focusing on a single aspect. Abdullah noted that Shah’s comments have driven people to read the entire manifesto, though he lamented that the Union Minister highlighted only “one paragraph” out of context.
“I thank the Union Home Minister for mentioning our election manifesto. He has forced everyone to read it. The sad part is that he focused on only one paragraph,” said Abdullah.
Earlier, Shah had launched a sharp attack against the Congress and its alliance with the NC ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Shah accused the Congress of jeopardizing the nation’s unity and security to gain power, particularly by aligning with the NC’s controversial proposals. He raised questions about the Congress’ stance on the NC’s promises, including the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A, a separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir, and the revival of trade across the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, all of which Shah claimed would fuel unrest and terrorism in the region.
Shah also questioned whether Congress supports the NC’s alleged plans to engage in dialogue with Pakistan instead of focusing on the youth of Kashmir, suggesting that such moves could promote separatism and destabilize the region.
Meanwhile, Abdullah commented on reports suggesting that the banned politico-religious organization Jamaat-e-Islami plans to participate in the upcoming elections. “The best part of democracy is that anyone can contest elections. Jamaat-e-Islami was trying to get the ban on it lifted to contest the elections. Now that the ban has not been lifted, I have heard they will contest independently,” Abdullah stated.
The central government banned Jamaat-e-Islami in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for five years.
The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are set to be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the results to be announced on October 4.
