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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday accused the National Conference (NC) of “colluding with BJP and its proxies” after a J&K Apni Party (JKAP) candidate withdrew his nomination against NC vice-president Omar Abdullah.
JKAP’s chief spokesperson Muntazir Mohiudin withdrew his nomination from the Budgam Assembly seat, stating that after Omar entered the fray from Budgam by making it his second seat, “I consulted my workers and reached the conclusion that in the present times, his (Omar’s) is a strong voice and if people of Budgam are fortunate, their issues can be resolved through him”.
Mohiudin also said that at a time when “everything has been snatched away from Kashmiris, a strong voice is needed to represent people and that is Omar Abdullah.”
He said he withdrew his candidature to prevent a split of votes in the constituency so that the people get a chance to choose their “favoured leader”.
The Altaf Bukhari-led JKAP issued a show cause notice to Mohiudin Saturday. “JKAP has urged Muntazir to clarify his remarks before the party leadership within 48 hours, failing which a disciplinary action will be initiated against him,” the party said.
However, the PDP raised questions over the development, hitting out at both the NC and the JKAP over the development.
PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan said, “Mohiuddin has emphasised that Kashmir needs a powerful voice in the political arena, and he believes that Omar Abdullah is the best candidate to provide such leadership. This decision is seen as a strategic effort to enhance Abdullah’s prospects in a key constituency.”
Bhan called for transparency from the NC, urging its Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, who has earlier represented the Budgam constituency, to clarify his stand on this issue.
“Mohiudin has been a key worker of the Apni Party. He has extended his support to Omar Abdullah. On the home turf of their sitting MP (Aga), they (NC) have aligned with the BJP’s B team (Apni Party) and BJP itself,” Bhan alleged. “They should explain this and give the people a clear answer.”
He also claimed that the “barter deal is that in return, the NC is supporting the JKAP in Chhanapora where its president Altaf Bukhari is contesting. Till now the NC (leadership) has not done any rallies in the area to support their candidate.”
The NC has not commented on the row so far.
The JKAP, which is said to be close to the BJP, has fielded a candidate Qazi Mubisher Farooq against Omar in Ganderbal, his home turf and another constituency.
