BJP fearful of adverse public verdict: Omar

Srinagar, May 3: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President questioned BJP why it had not fielded candidates from the Kashmir despite claiming to have put Jammu and Kashmir on the path of development following the abrogation of Article 370.
Addressing a public gathering in Batwara, organized by In Charge Constituency Lal Chowk Omar said BJP did not field candidates from three seats in the Valley as it knows where it stands. The election rally was organised by Incharge Lal Chowk Ahsan Pardesi.
Omar said, “They say Kashmir witnessed prosperity after abrogation of Article 370. But we are a helpless community. We lost young ones in the boat tragedy in Gandbal, just because the bridge there was incomplete. We have been out of power since 2014, then why blame us? Who is responsible for the tragedy? It is the person who sought your votes in 2019 on the pretext of ushering in development in your area. Had he proactively worked for the completion of the bridge, the mishap could have been averted. The same person is coming to you now wearing another gown. Its upto you now if you entertain him or reject him.”
Lashing out at the BJP, he said the party in power at the Centre snatched away our identity and our land rights. “It did not open colleges, universities, or schools. It opened liquor shops. It is forcing youngsters into drug addiction. What development are they talking about? It has been ten years since the Batwara – Lasjan bridge proposal was given a nod in the NC govt, why wasn’t there any headway on the project for ten years? Where is the development, they are refering to? We didn’t see any healthcare center, any school or bridge being built in Batwara or else where in Srinagar city.”
Among others party Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, party candidate Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Senior leader Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, Advisor to VP Mudassar Shahmiri, dist president Srinagar Peer Afaq Ahmad, PP YNC Salman Ali Sagar, PP Women’s wing Er. Sabiya Qadri, JS Azad, Aga Syed Yousuf, YNC, women’s wing and party’s local unit functionaries were present on the occassion.
Later in the day Vice President Omar Abdullah addressed series of election meetings in Khan sahib, Khrimshal Badgam.