Omar Abdullah Criticizes Government for Inviting Foreign Delegates to Observe J&K Elections
Srinagar: National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah criticized the Indian government’s decision to invite foreign delegates to observe the ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the elections are an internal matter.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Abdullah said, “I don’t understand why foreigners are being invited to observe our elections. When foreign governments comment on our affairs, India claims it’s an internal matter, but now they want foreign observers to monitor our elections.”
Abdullah emphasized that the elections in Jammu and Kashmir are a domestic issue, and the participation of people in the polls is “in spite of the government of India’s actions.” He said, “People are participating in the elections not because of the government of India, but despite the humiliation and harassment they’ve faced.”
The remarks come as a delegation of 16 diplomats from New Delhi-based missions arrived in Jammu and Kashmir at the invitation of the Ministry of External Affairs to observe the assembly elections, the first to be held after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. These elections are taking place after a decade-long wait, with the first phase already underway.
Abdullah expressed optimism about voter turnout, saying, “After the first phase went well, we expect a good turnout in the second phase as well. Political rallies have seen high enthusiasm, and we hope this translates into voter participation.”
When asked about the significance of the second phase for him, as he is contesting from Ganderbal and Budgam, Abdullah said, “It’s not just about me; it’s about the party. All election days are important for us. Yes, I have a personal stake, but the party’s performance across all phases is crucial.”
Addressing allegations by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti regarding bogus voting in Ganderbal and Budgam, Abdullah dismissed the claims, stating that the PDP has “seen the writing on the wall.” He added, “If their candidates haven’t made the impact they expected, it’s not my fault. The PDP was happy to receive support from the Apni Party until Muntazir Mohiuddin withdrew his candidacy in Budgam to support me.”
Mohiuddin had filed his nomination from Budgam on the Apni Party’s mandate but later withdrew and announced his support for Abdullah. Meanwhile, Bijbehara, the constituency where Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti is contesting, voted in the first phase on September 18.
Commenting on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the Congress should focus more on campaigning in Jammu. “It’s good that Rahul is campaigning, but the Congress needs to focus more on Jammu. The bulk of the alliance seats in Jammu were given to the Congress, and yet their campaign there has barely begun,” Abdullah noted.
With only five days of campaigning left, Abdullah urged the Congress to shift its focus to Jammu after Rahul Gandhi concludes his campaign in Kashmir.
