Omar Abdullah Assures Press Freedom and Development Focus in Post-Election Agenda
Omar Abdullah Slams BJP’s Attempts to Erase NC, Pledges People-Centric Governance
JAMMU, Oct 19: In a pointed critique seemingly directed at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asserted that numerous attempts were made over the past decade to dismantle the National Conference (NC). However, he emphasized that the party not only survived but emerged stronger, crediting its dedicated cadre for withstanding political pressure. The NC, having secured 42 out of the 90 seats in the recent Assembly elections, became the single-largest party in Jammu and Kashmir. This was the first election held in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
Addressing party workers at the NC headquarters during his first visit to Jammu since taking office as chief minister, Abdullah remarked, “Over the past eight to ten years, attempts were made not just to weaken but to erase the party entirely. Various tactics and schemes were used against us. Our colleagues faced threats and inducements, but the majority of them remained loyal, defeating these conspiracies.” His speech was met with enthusiastic chants from party leaders and workers who gathered to welcome him.
While he refrained from directly naming those he accused of trying to undermine the NC, Abdullah’s remarks were evidently aimed at the BJP. He praised the NC’s leadership and cadre for resisting these efforts, noting that except for a few, the party’s members remained united. He specifically referred to former NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana and ex-minister S S Slathia, who had defected to the BJP in October 2021, saying, “Those who left believed that their departure would be the end of the NC. However, it has been proven that NC is a party of workers, not just leaders.”
Abdullah highlighted the spiritual and grassroots strength that supports the NC. “The party derives its strength first from the almighty and then from its workers. Our strong cadre base has weathered many storms,” he stated, expressing gratitude to the voters and party workers for the NC’s recent electoral success. He also noted that five of the seven Independent MLAs extended their support to the NC without placing any conditions. “These Independent MLAs did not ask for anything for themselves, and now it is our responsibility to ensure that all Assembly segments are developed equally and that people’s concerns are addressed effectively.”
The chief minister reaffirmed his commitment to an inclusive governance approach, assuring that decisions on developmental projects would involve community consultations. “We must ensure that we maintain our connection with the people and address their concerns effectively. It is our duty to bridge the gap between the government and the public,” he said.
To reinforce this commitment, Abdullah announced his plan to engage directly with party cadres on the sidelines of government events to gather feedback, rather than relying solely on reports from government officials. This, he explained, would help keep him tuned to the needs and sentiments of the public. Abdullah shared his reflections on the continuous political campaigns he had been involved in, given the back-to-back Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He expressed a desire to shift focus and said, “I am tired of continuous politics. Now, my priority is to concentrate on addressing the issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Reflecting on his loss in the Lok Sabha polls, he shared an anecdote from colleagues who suggested that his defeat might have a silver lining. “I initially wondered how losing could be beneficial. However, since becoming chief minister, I have received messages from people who hadn’t reached out in years. It is now clear that my new role offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people and make meaningful changes.”
Abdullah also took the opportunity to reassure the media, emphasizing the importance of press freedom in a democratic society. “My government will not interfere with the press; democracy is incomplete without an independent media,” he asserted. “Journalists are free to criticize any shortcomings in my government, and I will ensure that no injustice is done to them.”
