National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah's claim that Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is permanently abolished from the Indian Constitution. Abdullah emphasized that the abrogation was a parliamentary decision, not a divine decree, and therefore, it could be reversed.
"Nothing is impossible," Abdullah remarked, underscoring that any parliamentary decision can be amended. He pointed out that if the Supreme Court’s five-judge bench previously upheld the abrogation, a future seven-judge bench could potentially restore Article 370.
Abdullah also held the BJP-led central government accountable for the rise in terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned the responsibility of the government given the recent attacks on yatris in Reasi and the ongoing violence against armed forces and officers.
“The central government has had control for six years. If terrorism is escalating in Jammu, it is their responsibility,” Abdullah asserted.
He also addressed Shah’s statements by arguing that any increase in terrorism should be attributed to the BJP's governance rather than to opposition parties.
Looking ahead, Abdullah expressed optimism about the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, where he is contesting from Budgam and Ganderbal. He is confident that the NC-Congress alliance will secure a clear mandate.
“The campaign in Budgam will now gain momentum as the first phase of campaigning has concluded,” he added.
Abdullah expressed strong confidence that the NC-Congress alliance would receive a decisive mandate in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.
“I’ve been campaigning in Budgam for quite some time, and now that the first phase of campaigning has concluded, the effort will pick up pace,” he said.
Abdullah is running for the assembly from two constituencies: Budgam and Ganderbal.
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