In an interview, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said that an “antagonistic relationship” with the BJP-ruled Centre will not help Jammu and Kashmir after his party’s victory in the recent J&K Assembly elections. In the first election in a decade, his party and ally Congress emerged winners, and he is all set to become Chief Minister for the second time.
Abdullah urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill his promise of restoring statehood, which was revoked with the abrogation of Article 370 five years ago. “The PM is an honorable man. He promised statehood to the people of J&K, and I hope he lives up to that,” he hoped amidst a concern that such a promise could be put on hold given the electoral losses the BJP has suffered.
He said the election results reflected a rejection of the scrapping of Article 370 and pointed to a Supreme Court ruling that called for timely elections and restoration of statehood. Modi had indicated earlier this week that the day was not too far away when Jammu and Kashmir would decide about its future.
On relations with New Delhi, Abdullah said there was a need for cooperation and added, “J&K is at a critical juncture in its development, and the BJP should avoid playing politics.” He called for rebuilding ties, in particular with Kashmir, which had largely opposed the BJP.
As the NC got 42 seats, Abdullah was visibly pleased. He thanked party leaders and supporters, saying he was content with the results. However, he said the Congress’s rout from 12 in 2014 to six this time called for introspection but desisted from direct criticism. “They have capable people who can examine the situation,” he added.
