'Jammu & Kashmir Elections A Success Not Because Of Centre's Efforts': Omar Abdullah

Omar Abdullah, vice-president of the National Conference, attributed the successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir to the people's desire to vote, despite "harassment from the central government".

Jammu and Kashmir Polls: Omar Abdullah during the J&K Polls campaign in Ganderbal.

Source : Facebook

National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah said that the successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir reflected that people wanted to vote despite the Centre "detaining and harassing" people. He said that Jammu & Kashmir's wait for elections is ending after 10 years. However, he refused to credit the Government of India for the largely peaceful election in the first phase.

#WATCH | Kashmir: JKNC vice president & party candidate from Ganderbal and Budgam, Omar Abdullah says, "We have been waiting for 10 years (for elections), and the first phase went well. We expect a good turnout from the second phase also...This participation is not because of the… pic.twitter.com/iVSDzlwMoM

— ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2024

"We have been waiting for 10 years [for elections] and the first phase went well. We expect a good turnout from the second phase as well... This [enthusiastic] participation is not because of the government of India. It is in spite of everything the government of India did. They humiliated people and all the machinery of the government was used to detain and harass people," Omar Abdullah said.

On the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections, Omar Abdullah, the NC's Ganderbal, said: "All election days are important... Yes, I have a personal stake in this, but all phases are important for the party."

BREAKING | 'लोगों ने चुनाव के लिए 10 साल इंतजार किया, हमें अच्छे परिणाम मिलने की उम्मीद है'- उमर अब्दुल्ला@romanaisarkhan | @ReporterAnkitG | https://t.co/smwhXURgtc#JammuKashmir #Voting #Voters #OmarAbdullah pic.twitter.com/5aJytT2aH6

— ABP News (@ABPNews) September 25, 2024

'Don't See The Need To Get Foreigners' Certificate'

Omar Abdullah also questioned the Ministry of External Affairs' invitation to diplomats from 16 countries to check the transparency in the Jammu and Kashmir elections. He said: "I don't know why foreigners should be asked to check elections. When foreign governments comment [on Kashmir], the Government of India says that it is an 'internal matter'. Now suddenly, it wants foreign observers to come and look at our elections."

The MEA has invited observers from 16 countries for the elections. Omar Abdullah said that the J&K elections are an internal matter for India and the nation doesn't need "foreigners' certificate".

Omar Abdullah On Mehbooba Mufti's Rigging Claims In Budgam, Ganderbal

The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir said that he was hopeful of winning both the constituencies he is contesting —  Ganderbal and Budgam. On Mehbooba Mufti's allegation that "money is being distributed to buy votes in Budgam and Ganderbal", Abdullah welcomed an investigation.

Alleging money power at play in the elections, PDP chief Mehbobba Mufti had earlier said: "[We] Urge to impress upon police and local administration to stop these electoral malpractices. We’ve seen how the brazen rigging of the 1987 election plunged J&K into turmoil."

Disturbing reports about money being distributed to buy votes in Budgam & Ganderbal. Urge @ECISVEEP to impress upon police & local administration to stop these electoral malpractices. We’ve seen how brazen rigging of the 1987 election plunged J&K into turmoil. https://t.co/6Jte6s3Tdd

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) September 24, 2024

Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said: "I can't help it if their [PDP] candidates were not able to make the desired impact. It's not my fault that people withdrew from poll campaigns in my favour. PDP was very happy to be get Apni Party's support in Budgam until Mohiudin Muntazir went against his party and supported me. After that, PDP got upset and started attacking NC and Apni Party."