Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the Centre should hold fresh polls in the state as the current situation showed that the BJP and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were headed for a break-up.
“There has been uncertainty in the state for over two months now. After Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s death, it was perceived that the new PDP leader would be elected and the BJP would support the leader. But now it seems the two are headed for a break-up,” Omar said while talking to Hindustan Times on the sidelines of a convocation held at Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, where he was the chief guest.
“We will urge the Centre that in case the PDP and BJP do not form the government, then there should be re-elections,” he said, adding that the PDP had not raised any new demand for the past six years and there is nothing new in their agenda.
Omar’s statement came a day after the hopes of the PDP and BJP joining hands once again to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir diminished following an inconclusive meeting between BJP president Amit Shah and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti in Delhi in which both sides refused to budge from their respective positions.
When asked about the RSS chief’s suggestion that Indians should chant slogans hailing mother India, Omar said the views should not be forced on anyone. “I don’t need to give evidence of my patriotism. I know my feelings for the nation and do not need to prove these to anyone. Don’t force me to raise these slogans,” he said, adding that had it been his father, he would have readily chanted the slogans.
{{/usCountry}}When asked about the RSS chief’s suggestion that Indians should chant slogans hailing mother India, Omar said the views should not be forced on anyone. “I don’t need to give evidence of my patriotism. I know my feelings for the nation and do not need to prove these to anyone. Don’t force me to raise these slogans,” he said, adding that had it been his father, he would have readily chanted the slogans.
{{/usCountry}}Omar said the reports of some youth raising ISIS slogans in Jammu and Kashmir were mere rumours. “There is no such thing in Kashmir. These fake stories are being circulated to draw media attention. “However, renewed attempts are being made to revive militancy in south Kashmir where youngsters are being recruited into militant groups. I am sure the governor has studied the recent reports and is taking action on it,” he said.
Commenting on the Union budget, Omar said, “The previous year’s budget was for the moneyed class, while this year, it is for the farmers.”