SRINAGAR, June 23: Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh criticized Omar Abdullah’s decision to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla instead of Srinagar, which he considers a stronghold of the National Conference. Singh, 93, opined that Omar’s move was a strategic error, emphasizing that he could have contributed significantly in Parliament if he had contested from Srinagar, a traditional bastion of his party.
Singh highlighted the unusual victory of Engineer Rashid from the Baramulla seat, despite being incarcerated under the UAPA and contesting independently. He remarked on Rashid’s dramatic entry into politics and the underlying discontent with the BJP evident from his win.
Reflecting on the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, Singh, the son of Maharaja Hari Singh, stressed the need for reinstating Statehood and conducting Assembly elections in the region. He lamented the loss of the State’s special status post the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which led to its division into Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Singh expressed dissatisfaction with the current status of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory, viewing it as inferior to full-fledged States like Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. He advocated for restoring Statehood to empower the region politically.
Praising the Congress and its alliance for their performance in recent polls, Singh noted the emerging strength of the INDIA bloc, exemplified by their electoral gains in Uttar Pradesh. He anticipated further cohesion within the alliance over time.
Regarding Sheikh Abdullah, Singh acknowledged his stature as a prominent leader but criticized his policies during his tenure, especially land reforms, which he viewed as discriminatory. He lamented the polarization caused by Sheikh Abdullah’s politics in the region.
Reflecting on the turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir in the early 1990s, Singh expressed sorrow over the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, describing it as a tragic event that requires healing. He emphasized the importance of moving forward while preventing terrorism and communal divisions in the region.
Asserting the historical and cultural diversity of Jammu and Kashmir, Singh underscored its composite nature, encompassing various ethnic and religious communities. He emphasized the legacy of harmony maintained during the Dogra rule and advocated for preserving the region’s pluralistic identity despite its current administrative status as a Union Territory.