Omar Abdullah Condemns Delhi CM’s Arrest as Assault on Democratic Principles, Democracy in Distress
Srinagar, 22-03-2024 : National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah strongly criticized the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, denouncing it as a severe blow to democracy and indicative of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) heightened anxiety. Abdullah expressed concern that if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) insists on maintaining Kejriwal as the Chief Minister of Delhi despite his incarceration, the Central government might exploit this situation as grounds to impose President’s rule in the state.
Standing in solidarity with Kejriwal and the AAP, Abdullah decried the unfolding events as a distortion of democratic principles. He underscored the paradoxical situation where, despite the ruling dispensation’s overwhelming electoral victory, there exists palpable nervousness leading to the arrest of a sitting Chief Minister by a compliant central agency mere days after the announcement of general elections.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah emphasized the evident timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, highlighting its proximity to the electoral process. He noted that Kejriwal’s predicament is not unique, citing previous instances where opposition leaders faced similar actions by enforcement agencies, thereby undermining the integrity of democratic institutions.
Expressing deep concern over the erosion of democratic norms, Abdullah lamented the diminishing faith in judicial recourse, citing instances where judicial outcomes seemed predetermined. He reflected on a bygone era during the Emergency under Indira Gandhi’s regime when the judiciary still offered a glimmer of hope for justice, contrasting it with the present disillusionment.
Responding to queries regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s summons to NC President Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah affirmed their unwavering resolve to confront such challenges, drawing upon their past experiences. He reaffirmed NC’s steadfast opposition to the BJP and its policies, particularly highlighting their vehement opposition to the changes imposed upon Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.
Regarding speculations about a potential alliance between the NC and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Abdullah vehemently dismissed such notions, emphasizing their commitment to defeating the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir. He categorically stated that the NC has no intentions of aligning with the NDA, firmly positioning themselves against the ruling party’s agenda.
