The former Chief Minister and Vice-President of the National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah, emphasized that in the aftermath of the electoral setback, the Congress should conduct a thorough analysis of the reasons behind its defeat and strategically prepare for the upcoming Parliamentary elections, rather than resorting to legal avenues such as approaching the Supreme Court.
Addressing the media on the occasion of the 118th birth anniversary of NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, Omar underscored the unpredictable nature of elections, emphasizing the need for political parties to be prepared to accept both victories and defeats. He stressed the importance for Congress to engage in introspection and discern the underlying causes of its electoral losses.
Omar shared an anecdote about a BJP Member of Parliament predicting their victory in Chhattisgarh two months prior, highlighting the importance of foresight in political strategy. He advised Congress to focus on preparing for the imminent Parliamentary elections while critically analyzing the factors contributing to their recent electoral setbacks.
Regarding speculations about the next Chief Minister for Jammu and Kashmir hailing from the BJP, Omar dismissed such claims, asserting that Chief Ministers are elected through democratic processes. He criticized the BJP for its reluctance to hold elections, including Panchayat and Municipal elections, indicating a lack of readiness to face the electorate.
Omar further criticized the BJP’s actions, particularly highlighting concerns about the reservation bill presented by the Home Minister during the Parliament’s winter session. He pointed out reservations about the bill, particularly the provision allowing the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to nominate members to reserved seats, suggesting a potential lack of confidence in securing electoral support.