SRINAGAR, Sept 25: National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah strongly criticized the government’s decision to invite foreign delegates to observe the ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the elections are a domestic affair. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Abdullah expressed his disapproval, stating, “I don’t understand why foreign representatives should be involved in assessing our elections. When foreign governments comment on Indian issues, the government of India declares them internal matters, yet now, foreign observers are being brought in to monitor our elections.”
Abdullah emphasized that the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are purely an internal concern, stating, “We don’t need their certification.” He further pointed out that the participation of the people in these elections is not a result of the government’s efforts, but rather despite the government’s actions. “The government of India has humiliated the people, using every tool at its disposal to detain and harass them. In spite of that, the people are participating in the elections, and this is not something the government should be taking credit for,” Abdullah asserted.
The NC leader’s comments came in response to the arrival of a delegation of 16 diplomats from New Delhi-based missions, who had been invited by the Ministry of External Affairs to observe the ongoing assembly elections. These elections, which are taking place after a decade, are the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, making them highly significant.
Abdullah highlighted the long wait the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured for the elections, noting, “After 10 years, people have finally had the opportunity to vote, and the first phase saw an encouraging turnout. We expect a strong turnout in the second phase as well.” He also observed the enthusiasm in political rallies, hoping that it would translate into higher voter participation.
When asked about the significance of the second phase for him personally, as he is contesting from both Ganderbal and Budgam, Abdullah downplayed the individual focus, saying, “Every election day is crucial, not just for me but for the entire party. The first phase was important, and so are the second and third phases.” He added, “I have a personal stake, but this election is about the party as a whole.”
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister maintained a hopeful stance about the election outcome, remarking, “Hope is what keeps the world going. I am cautiously optimistic. Ultimately, it’s in the hands of the Almighty and the voters.”
Abdullah also responded to allegations of bogus voting in Ganderbal and Budgam raised by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, saying that the PDP had “seen the writing on the wall.” He urged for an investigation into the claims but added that it was not his fault that the PDP’s candidates had failed to gain traction. “The PDP was content to receive support from the Apni Party in Budgam until Muntazir Mohiuddin withdrew from the race and endorsed me. After that, the PDP became frustrated and began attacking both us and the Apni Party,” he said, adding that the PDP is struggling even in its stronghold of Bijbehara.
Mohiuddin, who had filed his nomination for Budgam on an Apni Party ticket, withdrew from the race and endorsed Abdullah, which further complicated the political dynamics in the constituency.
On the topic of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah noted that while Gandhi’s presence was welcome, the Congress should direct its focus toward the Jammu region. “What the Congress does in Kashmir is not as important as what they do in Jammu,” Abdullah remarked. He expressed disappointment that the Congress, which is in a pre-poll alliance with the NC, had not been as active in campaigning in the Jammu plains as expected. “A majority of the alliance’s seats in Jammu were allocated to the Congress, yet their campaign hasn’t really started. With only five days of campaigning left, I hope that after Rahul finishes his Kashmir engagements, the Congress puts its full energy into the Jammu plains,” Abdullah concluded.
Gandhi is scheduled to address a public rally in Sopore, North Kashmir, later in the day.