Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes Omar Abdullah Over Election Stance in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 30: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has criticized National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, accusing him of political convenience. She claimed that the National Conference (NC) supports elections when in power but opposes them when out of power.

Mehbooba Mufti stated, “When they get power, elections become halal for the National Conference and when they lose power, elections become haram for them.” She also accused the NC of committing irregularities in the 1987 elections to avoid competition from Jamaat-e-Islami.

Mufti called for the government to lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, return their seized properties, and allow them to contest elections, emphasizing the importance of democracy.

In response, Omar Abdullah defended his decision to contest the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, aiming to present a united front against the BJP. He criticized those making allegations against him, pointing out that they have relatives contesting elections.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4. This will be the first assembly poll since the abrogation of Article 370. The Election Commission of India has issued the notification for the second phase of assembly elections, covering 26 constituencies.