“Let the People Speak on Changes After Article 370 Abrogation”
Avinash Azad
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Chief Dr. Farooq Abdullah welcomed the announcement of assembly elections in the Union Territory while raising concerns about the electoral process, in a heated press conference held in Jammu.
Dr. Abdullah called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure a level playing field for all political parties. He questioned the timing of a large-scale administrative reshuffle in the UT, which occurred just hours before the election announcement. “It reflects that the UT Administration had knowledge of ECI’s move,” he stated, urging the election watchdog to investigate these transfers.
Addressing his party’s readiness for the polls, Dr. Abdullah declared, “Time will tell who was ready for elections and who was delaying them.” He confirmed his intention to contest the elections but added a surprising caveat: “When statehood is restored, I will resign, and Omar Abdullah will take the seat.” He clarified that his son, Omar Abdullah, would not contest the upcoming polls.
The veteran politician refrained from commenting on the recent High Court decision quashing an Enforcement Directorate case against him in the JKCA scam. When asked about allegations of tilting towards the BJP, Dr. Abdullah deflected, stating, “I will not speak here of alliance, but ask who quit alliance and started speaking against us.”
Dr. Abdullah expressed frustration when questioned about changes following the abrogation of Article 370, retorting, “Ask the people, don’t ask me.” He emphasized that the demand for restoration of statehood is not limited to the NC but shared by all political parties in the region. “The Government of India had promised statehood,” he reminded. The former Chief Minister’s forceful statements and visible irritation during the press conference highlight the charged political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir as it prepares for its first assembly elections since the reorganization of the former state in 2019.
