Addresses series of public meetings in Budgam
Srinagar, Nov 07: National Conference Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday led a series of massive election rallies and roadshows across Budgam constituency, urging people to strengthen the hands committed to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s identity and dignity.
Omar Abdullah made a fervent appeal to the people to support the NC and become active partners in the ongoing journey of development and progress.
Addressing enthusiastic crowds during roadshows and conventions at Narbal, Yarigund, Gotapura, Jhorpura, Suya Bug, Chhon, Shehalpura, Nasrullah Pura, and adjoining areas, Omar Abdullah sought votes in favor of the NC candidate Aga Syed Mahmood, describing him as a committed and capable representative who will ensure Budgam’s rightful place on the development map of Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah said the people of Budgam are not voting to decide the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister in this by-election but to determine their relationship with the current government for the next four years. “You have to decide whether you want to be part of Jammu and Kashmir’s development journey or remain disconnected from it,” he said.
Clearing misconceptions about his engagement with Budgam, Omar Abdullah said, “It is wrong to think that I have ignored Budgam in the past year. I have ensured that this constituency receives adequate funds and that no development work stops. In this year’s budget, Rs 16 crore have been allocated for new projects in Budgam. If you make Aga Syed Mahmood Sahib successful, I promise to develop this constituency as a model assembly segment.”
He announced that a major cricket stadium and academy would be established in Budgam, similar to the one being developed in Kathua for Jammu, and that he is already in discussions with BCCI officials to realize this vision. “Along with that, I also promise to establish a university in Budgam constituency, giving our youth new opportunities for higher education and growth. I urge you to elect a representative who can walk into my office anytime, without permission, and fight for your cause,” he said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Highlighting the achievements of the NC government in the past year, Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir has not only been brought back on the path of development but has also seen a revival of political accountability and democratic values. “As promised in our manifesto, we raised our voice in the very first Assembly session against the unconstitutional decisions of August 5, 2019, and demanded the restoration of our special status through a resolution, a move that PDP opposed. We also passed a resolution for the restoration of statehood in our first cabinet meeting,” he said.
He further added that the government has initiated development projects across regions, brought governance to the people’s doorstep, and introduced a system of transparency and accountability. “Today, our mothers and sisters can travel free of cost in any government bus, even if they’re traveling from Srinagar to Delhi. These are the people-centric measures we are proud of,” Omar said.
He blamed the current electricity woes and administrative chaos on those “doing politics on meters today,” saying these were the same people who “snatched our rights, divided our historic state, and reduced it to a Union Territory.” He cautioned, “If given a chance again, they will sell whatever little is left of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Prominent leaders including Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo, MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmed Khan Gurezi, MLA Chadoora Ali Muhammad Dar, MLA Uri Dr. Sajjad Shafi, MLA Sonawari Advocate Hilal Lone, MLA Lal Chowk Ahsan Pardesi, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, MLA Baramulla Dr. Muhammad Shafi, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen, MLA Khan Sahib Saifuddin Butt, MLA Devsar Pirzada Feroz Ahmed, District President Budgam Ghulam Nabi Butt, DDC Nasir Lone, and other senior leaders were also present at the gatherings.
The rallies and roadshows witnessed a tremendous public response, with people enthusiastically pledging their support to Agha Syed Mahmood and the National Conference, reaffirming their faith in Omar Abdullah’s leadership and the party’s vision for an inclusive, progressive, and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
