National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah criticized the Indian government on September 25, 2024, for inviting foreign diplomats to observe the ongoing Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the elections are an internal matter of India and that they do not require validation from outside parties.
“I don’t know why foreigners should be asked to check elections here,” Abdullah, the NC vice president, stated. “When foreign governments comment, then the Government of India says ‘this is an internal matter for India’ and now suddenly they want foreign observers to come and look at our elections.”
He labeled the situation a “guided tour” and alleged that the Centre is attempting to take credit for the electoral participation, which he described as a betrayal of the local populace. Voting is occurring on this day for 26 seats across six districts in Jammu and Kashmir, with a delegation of 16 diplomats arriving to observe the elections, invited by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Abdullah emphasized that the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are “an internal matter for us” and reiterated that the participation of the local populace is occurring “despite everything that the government of India did.” He accused the government of humiliating the people and using government machinery to intimidate them, yet they still came out to vote.
Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot, Abdullah questioned the rationale behind inviting foreign diplomats while denying access to foreign journalists who had applied to cover the elections. “No permission was given to any foreign journalist who had applied to cover the elections, but these diplomats are being given a guided tour like tourists, which is not a good thing,” he remarked.
The current Assembly polls are the first in a decade and the first following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Abdullah noted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been awaiting elections for ten years and expressed hope that enthusiasm for political rallies would translate into high voter turnout.
Regarding the significance of the second phase of polling, which he is contesting in Ganderbal and Budgam, Abdullah said every election day is important. “It is not about me; it is about the party as a whole. All three phases are important,” he commented. He expressed quiet hope for the electoral outcome, stating, “The rest is first in the hands of the Almighty and then in the hands of voters. So, let’s see.”
When questioned about allegations of bogus voting made by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti in Ganderbal and Budgam, Abdullah dismissed concerns, stating that the PDP has recognized their diminishing influence. “Please investigate (PDP’s allegations). I cannot help it if their candidates have not been able to make the impact that they had expected,” he stated.
Abdullah also addressed the situation regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, urging Congress to prioritize efforts in Jammu instead of focusing primarily on Kashmir. “I hope after Rahul is done campaigning in one or two seats in Kashmir, he focuses in Jammu,” he said, highlighting that the Congress should do more in the region.
Gandhi is expected to hold a public rally in the Sopore area of north Kashmir later that day.
The article was published on September 25, 2024, at 12:37 PM IST.
