Srinagar, Apr 17: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday said people were worried over the ongoing delimitation exercise and the manner in which recent legislative decisions were being handled, alleging that the process had created uncertainty among the public.
Talking to reporters here, Dr Abdullah said the Centre first withdrew the bill after realising it lacked the required numbers and later decided to restore the earlier version.
“They withdrew the bill first. Why did they do that? Because people had concerns, and they knew a two-thirds majority would not be achieved. Then, overnight, they reconsidered and decided to bring back the old bill passed in 2023,” he said.
He said such decisions had only added to public anxiety and mistrust.
“A two-thirds majority is required, which they do not have. What they will do now, only God knows. People are worried, and this approach isn’t right. I hope they come to their senses and listen to the people,” he said.
Referring to the delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir, the NC president said the process had already generated serious apprehensions among the people. “You have seen how delimitation was done here. Now people are even more worried than before. What is their purpose? That is the question,” he said.
On international developments regarding possible talks between the United States and Iran, the former chief minister said any agreement that ensured peace would be beneficial for the world.
“There is nothing new. We have heard President Trump’s statement that if both sides reach an agreement, he himself may come to sign it. May it happen and bring peace, because the whole world is affected by this issue,” he said.
Commenting on politics in West Bengal, Dr Farooq expressed confidence that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would win the upcoming Assembly elections. “Mamata Banerjee will emerge victorious,” he said—(KNO)
