If INDI Alliance only for LS polls, better wind it up: JK CM

Jammu, Jan 9: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Thursday exuded hope that the Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir won’t remain a permanent feature and the BJP-led Central Government would stand by its promise to restore the statehood.

Talking to reporters at the sidelines of an orientation programme for legislators here, Omar said, “We are hopeful about the Centre fulling its promise of restoring J&K’s statehood.”

Expressing dismay over what he called the “lack of clarity” regarding the agenda of INDI Alliance, the Chief Minister said alliance should be wound up if it was meant only for the parliamentary elections. “They should call all the members for a meeting. If this alliance was only for the parliamentary elections, it should be wound up, and we will work separately. But if it is meant for Assembly elections as well, we will have to sit together and work collectively,” Omar said.

Claiming that there is no clarity regarding the main leadership, the party, or the agenda for future strategy (in the INDI Alliance), he said, “Whether this alliance will continue is also unclear.”

The J&K Chief Minister also said that perhaps the members of the INDIA bloc will be called for a meeting after the Delhi elections, and a clarity would emerge.

Replying to another query on increasing support for AAP ahead of next month’s Delhi elections, he said, “I cannot say anything about this at the moment because we have no involvement with Delhi polls. The Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, and other political parties on the ground will decide how to compete with the BJP strongly.”

Stating that AAP succeeded twice in Delhi previously, he said, “This time, we will have to wait and see what the people of Delhi decide.”

On the orientation programme convened for the newly-elected legislators, Omar said, “Many of us have been members of this House before, but that was when Jammu and Kashmir was a state. The system is different today. We need to understand how we are going to work and what the powers of this Assembly are.”

The Chief Minister said that to familiarise everyone with the procedures of this system, Assembly Speaker Abdur Rahim Rather organised the orientation programme. “The deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha also participated in this exercise. I believe the experience of the senior members will prove beneficial. In the upcoming sessions, the MLAs will represent the people better and raise their issues effectively,” he added.

He asked legislators to adapt to the unique challenges of working in a Union Territory assembly.

He praised the Speaker for organising the orientation programme, emphasising its value for both new and experienced legislators. “I have been elected six times in various capacities — three times to Parliament and three times to the Assembly. But this is the first time I am attending such an orientation programme,” he said.

Reflecting on his own experience, Omar admitted his early years as a parliamentarian lacked a strong foundation. “If such an orientation programme had been organised when I was first elected to Parliament, I would have been better prepared. Even today, I cannot confidently explain how to introduce a private member’s bill or raise an issue under Rule 377 despite having spent many years there,” he said.

The Chief Minister said, “While I can say we should avoid disruptions and maintain decorum, the reality is that such disruptions will happen. The calmness we are witnessing today is probably the first and last time we experience this,” he remarked.

INDI Alliance permanent: Farooq

Want to work with Delhi to resolve J&K problems

Jammu Tawi, Jan 9: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said his party does not intend to “fight” New Delhi to collaborate with the central government to address the pressing issues of  Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing concerns about the unity within the INDIA bloc, Abdullah said the alliance is not just about contesting elections, but it is about strengthening India and eliminating hatred. “The alliance is permanent — it is for every day and every moment.” He was replying to media questions on a range of issues including about Chief Minister Omar Abdullah being dubbed a “New Delhi man”, fissures in the INDIA bloc with the AAP and Congress fighting the Delhi polls separately, the dual power structure in J&K, Maha Kumbh and the Tirupati stampede.

“We don’t want to fight New Delhi. We want to work together with Delhi to resolve the state’s problems. We don’t want to engage in battles. Those who want to fight can do so,” the former chief minister told reporters here.

He expressed concern over unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a significant issue in the region. “How will people’s problem be solved when unemployment is so severe here? Our hospitals and schools are in dire condition. We need teachers, doctors, and paramedics, but instead, unnecessary battles are being fought,” he said.

Abdullah said his party national Conference has got nothing to do with the BJP, but it is the responsibility of the central government to support state governments in addressing local issues. “We are not with the BJP, nor do we have any connection with them,” he said.

Abdullah stressed both the central and state governments should prioritise the needs of the people rather than engaging in conflicts that hinder progress.

Reacting to claims about his son and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah being influenced by New Delhi, the NC chief said, “Omar Abdullah is elected the chief minister by people. He does not act on anyone’s instructions. He acts on his own decisions. Those who are under this misunderstanding should come out of it.”

Replying to a question about Wednesday’s Tirupati temple stampede that killed six pilgrims, he urged the government to ensure that incidents causing loss of life are prevented, particularly at religious sites and during festivals. He highlighted the importance of proactive planning at places of worship, which attract lakhs of devotees, to ensure safety and security, especially for women.

“With the Maha Kumbh approaching, the authorities must take adequate measures to avoid any mismanagement. This is a once-in-twelve-years event where millions visit the Ganga. The government must ensure proper arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents,” he said, underlining the cultural and religious significance of such events in India.

On a question about rumblings within the INDIA bloc, Abdullah said, “The alliance is not just about contesting elections. It is about strengthening India and eliminating hatred. Those who believe this alliance exists only for parliamentary elections are mistaken. The alliance is permanent — it is for every day and every moment.” Responding to questions about the dual governance structure, Abdullah reiterated the demand for statehood, stating that the dual power structure in Jammu and Kashmir would stabilise once full statehood is restored.

On a controversy over a person facing a probe joining the National Conference, Abdullah said, “I was unaware of his involvement in any case. We announced yesterday that until he is cleared of all charges, he will not be admitted into the party.”