Ahead of the final phase of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah urged voters to prioritize their honour and dignity by rejecting candidates he described as "devils in disguise" and "agents sent by Delhi."
Discussing the prospects of the NC-Congress alliance, Abdullah expressed confidence that the coalition would secure a majority in the 90-member assembly, emphasizing that the BJP would not gain power in the Union Territory. As high-pitched campaigning for the final leg of polling is set to end on Sunday evening, Abdullah made an impassioned appeal, urging voters to make a thoughtful decision at the ballot box.
He stressed the importance of voting for a better future, highlighting the need for more job opportunities, progress, dignity, and an improved quality of life. "Think carefully," the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said and asked voters to be aware of individuals "sent by Delhi" who may not have their best interests at heart."They are like devils in disguise," he warned while stressing the importance of being vigilant during elections.
Looking to galvanise support for the NC-Congress combine, Abdullah said, "Where you see the hand (Congress' poll symbol), vote for the hand. Where you see the plough (NC poll symbol), vote for the plough." The NC chief did not hold back his thoughts while discussing Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid, who, he believes, is being used by the BJP to "manipulate" voter dynamics.
"Time will tell. People now know it is not the same thing as it was earlier... He's from Delhi, he's from BJP and he's playing a part in dividing the votes," he said. Abdullah alleged that Rashid was "representing his master's voice actually... He's part of BJP... I pity him."
He's seeing how Muslims are being treated in the rest of the country and he doesn't realise that this may come here also. He may also be completely finished by the very powers that are projecting him today. I feel sad for him. I hope people will understand one day where he stands," he said.
Rashid, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of terror funding on August 9, 2019, had defeated NC vice president Omar Abdullah in the recent Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla. On the BJP’s statements about restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Abdullah expressed distrust. "I don’t think I can trust them," he said. "They say one thing and do another.
Why announce that the L-G will retain all powers before the elections? That’s the tragedy." When asked if the post-poll government would be weak, Abdullah replied, "It will be a strong government. It will restore dignity and honour to Jammu and Kashmir." He dismissed concerns of weakness, stating that critics "need to rethink."
Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent call for terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir to lay down their arms and engage in dialogue, Abdullah said, "I cannot trust what he says," accusing Shah of making contradictory statements about the region’s governance and economic situation.
He further criticized the BJP for failing to deliver on its promises, pointing to rising inflation and job losses as evidence of poor governance. Referring to the ongoing threat of terrorism, Abdullah said, "Terrorism is at its peak today. It won’t end unless we unite the people." He reiterated his call for dialogue with neighbouring countries, emphasizing that peaceful relations are essential for progress.( KINS )