JAMMU, Aug 7: National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP, challenging its claims of a “new and prosperous” Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370. Abdullah alleged that the situation on the ground starkly contrasts the BJP’s assertions.
Addressing a rally at Nagri in Kathua district, Abdullah questioned the tangible benefits that the people of the Union Territory have received in the past five years. “I am compelled to ask what the people have got in the past five years,” he said.
Abdullah dismissed the BJP-led Centre’s announcement of holding assembly elections before the Supreme Court’s September 30 deadline as no favor to the people. “They are speaking about ‘naya (new)’ and ‘khushhal (prosperous)’ Jammu and Kashmir post Article 370 abrogation, but the situation on the ground is completely opposite and that is why they could not hold assembly elections till date because of the fear of defeat,” Abdullah, a former chief minister, remarked.
Referring to Union Minister G Kishan Reddy’s statement that assembly elections would be held in September, Abdullah stated, “If they are talking about elections today, they are not doing any favor to us.” He credited the Supreme Court’s judgment on Article 370 abrogation for setting the election deadline, suggesting that without it, the government would have found reasons to delay the elections further.
Abdullah highlighted the absence of a popular government in Jammu and Kashmir since 2018 when the PDP-BJP government collapsed, noting the significant changes in 2019. On August 5, 2019, the Centre revoked Article 370, which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the erstwhile state into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Criticizing the BJP’s promises made during the constitutional changes, Abdullah said, “They talked about industrialization, generating employment, and improving our lives by ending terrorism. Today, given the situation, we are compelled to ask what have we achieved in five years?” He pointed out the lack of major projects or new industries, high inflation, and the highest unemployment rate in the country, while terrorism has spread to the previously peaceful Jammu region.
Abdullah also emphasized the ongoing security concerns, mentioning frequent encounters and attacks, and the sacrifices made by security forces. “Today, I am speaking with authority that Kathua is not the way we left it in 2014 as there are frequent encounters and attacks,” he said, noting similar situations in Pir Panjal, Chenab Valley, Jammu, and Udhampur.
Abdullah criticized the administration for displacing people from lands granted under a land-to-tiller scheme by the National Conference government led by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He praised the region’s progressive land rights, particularly for Dalits.
On the upcoming general elections, Abdullah expressed confidence in the National Conference’s prospects, indicating that the party is poised to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir. He urged party leaders to work diligently to strengthen the party in Kathua district.