The former chief minister says he is worried that the hatred against Muslims would not be limited to election time but continue even after that.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The BJP’s anti-Muslim rhetoric and constant targeting of the 14 percent population of the country would stunt India’s growth, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah said.
Addressing a rally in downtown Srinagar in support of his party candidate Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Omar Abdullah emphasised the need for harmony post-elections and the importance of fostering dialogue with Pakistan, reports reaching here said on Monday.
Abdullah said there have been instances during the campaigning when several top BJP leaders targeted Muslims.
“I worry that this hatred against Muslims is not limited to election time only but continues even after that. Now you tell me, India is a house to a large number of Muslims which comprise 14 per cent of the population.
“Targeting the minority community will not help the country become a strong nation,” Abdullah was quoted as saying.
Citing recent attacks in regions like Poonch, he expressed concerns over the resurgence of militancy.
Talking about challenging circumstances in Kashmir, Abdullah criticised the BJP government’s policies and called for improving security in the region.
“I have time and again warned but the BJP is not ready to accept the reality. In the last four years or so, the areas which had been freed from militancy, are seeing a resurgence of militancy, especially Srinagar city, which has witnessed repeated militant attacks, and Rajouri and Poonch,” Abdullah said.
He said that during his tenure as chief minister between 2009-2014, these areas were free of militancy.
Meanwhile, during a series of political engagements in the Beerwah assembly segment of Budgam district, including workers’ conventions, public gatherings, road shows, and rallies, Omar Abdullah emphasised the critical role of public choice in the aftermath of Article 370’s abrogation. He highlighted the changes — or lack thereof — in the daily lives of the people since August 5, 2019.
Omar Abdullah, contesting from Baramulla as the National Conference candidate, posed a direct question to the electorate regarding their quality of life after the pivotal 2019 decision. He outlined several parameters such as employment rates, electricity and water supply, ration availability, and road conditions as indicators for the voters to assess their current situation.
With a call for strong support in the upcoming parliamentary and assembly elections, Omar Abdullah urged voters to reflect on their circumstances and choose wisely. His message was clear: if life has not improved since the abrogation of Article 370, the National Conference must secure a decisive victory to advocate for the rights and welfare of Jammu and Kashmir’s people.
