Srinagar, Sep 26: National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed disappointment over the low voter turnout in recently held phase-II election in Srinagar, attributing it to the Centre’s portrayal of high voter participation as a sign of “normalcy” in Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar stated that despite no boycott call and no major incidents of violence, the turnout remained unexpectedly low, particularly in Srinagar.
He argued that the Centre’s emphasis on high voter participation as an acceptance of the abrogation of Article 370 may have discouraged people from voting, as they did not want to send the “wrong message” to the world.
Omar also criticized the visits by international diplomats, suggesting that Srinagar residents felt used and misrepresented by the government’s efforts to project normalcy in the region, which also contributed to voter apathy.
The former chief minister of erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir state pointed to Home Minister Amit Shah’s confidence in the BJP securing more than 50 seats in J&K, suggesting prior knowledge of the EVM outputs.
Omar accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to undermine his party by supporting independent candidates in the ongoing elections, claiming BJP is backing independents to fragment the NC’s vote bank in the Kashmir Valley.
He also alleged that the BJP has been aligning itself with independent candidates and members of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) who support the August 2019 decisions that revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
He criticized Engineer Rasheed, who, after his release, claimed he would oppose Modi’s “Naya Kashmir” slogan, stating that his mandate was aligned with BJP interests.
Criticizing BJP’s National General Secretary Ram Madhav’s active involvement in Kashmir, despite the party fielding few candidates in the region, Omar said the BJP’s goal was to damage the NC’s vote bank.
“I am thankful to those who cast their votes, and we are expecting a better turnout in the third phase of polling,” he added.
He also urged voters to support the NC or the Congress (INC), wherever the NC is not contesting, to ensure a strong opposition in the region.
The third phase of elections is expected to see an increase in voter participation, with both parties hopeful for a stronger showing, Omar told reporters. (KNO)
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