news details |
|
|
| Omar's ‘strategic’ advice to Rahul triggers fresh debate amid high-voltage campaign | | | 
Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 26: National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah’s recent statement has sparked intrigue in Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape. Amidst the high-stakes Assembly elections, Omar advised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to shift his focus from Kashmir to Jammu. While their parties are alliance partners, Omar's remark carries significant weight and underlying implications.
While the Congress sought to downplay Omar Abdullah’s advice to Rahul Gandhi, the BJP was quick to react to this statement.
“The statement of Omar Abdullah is a clear indication that NC-Congress coalition is going to lose elections”, former Union Minister Smriti Irani said.
“Omar has said that the Congress campaign is lackluster and Gandhis should focus on Jammu, which clearly shows that NC-Cong coalition has conceded defeat, Smriti said, adding, “People are with the development agenda of PM Modi and BJP is all set to form next govt in J&K”.
Reacting to Omar’s statement, AICC incharge J&K Bharatsinh Solanki said that the National Conference leader has asked Congress to focus on Jammu because the coalition has already the majority of seats in the first and second phase of elections in J&K.
“There is no need to take it otherwise because as a coalition partner Omar Abdullah has suggested that focus should be shifted in the Jammu region where elections for the crucial 24 seats will be held where the direct fight is between the BJP and the Congress”, Solanki said while seeking to downplay Omar’s statement.
Important to mention here that Rahul Gandhi has made frequent visits to Kashmir, particularly in the first two phases of the election. However, Omar emphasized that Congress's fortunes in Jammu are more crucial. He pointed out that Congress has a stake in the majority of Jammu's seats and should prioritize its campaign efforts there.
Omar Abdullah has a valid reason to suggest that Rahul Gandhi should focus more on Jammu, considering Gandhi has already addressed six election rallies in the region, with four of them held in areas where the BJP isn't a strong contender.
Gandhi's first rally in the Jammu district was on Wednesday, September 25. Earlier in September Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in Surankot supporting party candidate Shahnawaz Hussain. However, Gandhi's frequent visits to Kashmir, particularly in the first two phases of the election, have raised concerns that Jammu is being overlooked.
Abdullah emphasized that Congress's stakes are higher in Jammu, urging Gandhi to prioritize visits there. He pointed out that Congress has a significant stake in the majority of Jammu's seats and should focus its campaign efforts accordingly. In contrast, Gandhi's four rallies in the Kashmir Valley were held in areas where the BJP wasn't a strong contender.
As alliance partners, Omar's remarks carry weight, especially with high stakes in both regions. Every comment made by Omar has significant implications, and his advice to Gandhi is crucial in determining Congress's strategy in Jammu and Kashmir. By prioritizing Jammu, Congress can maximize its chances of success in the region. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
