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In a defiant address to party workers in Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah firmly refuted accusations of the National Conference (NC) favoring a particular community or being a party of dynasts. Addressing the concerns of Jammu residents, he stated that he appointed a Hindu deputy chief minister from Jammu to silence critics and send a clear message that Jammu holds equal stake in his government. This gesture was a direct response to criticisms labeling the NC as a Muslim-centric party, lacking inclusivity and dominated by family lineage.
Abdullah's speech came amidst widespread criticism from various quarters over the NC's alleged deviation from its core demand for the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He addressed these concerns, assuring the people that the NC government would tirelessly fight for their rights and restore what had been taken away. He reminded the audience of the hardships faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir after the fall of the PDP-BJP coalition government in 2018, emphasizing that their voices will be heard and their issues addressed.
The Chief Minister directly confronted those who propagated the notion that Jammu would be neglected by the NC government, reiterating his commitment to serve all people of Jammu and Kashmir without bias. He challenged the criticisms by highlighting previous governments where deputy chief ministers from Jammu were appointed, including Pandit Mangat Ram Sharma under the PDP-Congress coalition led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Ghulam Nabi Azad serving as Chief Minister from Jammu, and Tara Chand holding the deputy chief minister post. He highlighted that the appointment of Surinder Choudhary, a Hindu, as deputy chief minister was a decisive answer to those who accused the NC of excluding non-Muslims.
Omar Abdullah further alleged that the delimitation exercise, alteration of reservation rules, and the utilization of government machinery were tactics employed to favor a specific party in the elections. He argued that these maneuvers might secure victory in elections but cannot guarantee long-term success. He asserted that the true test for his government begins now, focusing on resolving people's issues and fostering a closer relationship between the government and the public. He highlighted the government's intention to receive direct feedback from people during official functions to understand their concerns and ensure transparency in communication.
In conclusion, Omar Abdullah's speech reflected a firm stance against criticism, emphasizing the inclusivity of the NC government and its commitment to serving the interests of all communities in Jammu and Kashmir. He underlined the NC's determination to restore the rights that were taken away and address the concerns of the people. The speech was a clear indication of the NC's commitment to transparency and accountability, promising to address the needs of the people and strengthen the bond between the government and its citizens.
Source: Will get back what has been snatched from us, says CM Omar in Jammu