Reiterates PDP-BJP alliance led to J&K’s ‘downfall’
Vows to transform Budgam into model constituency
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing it of betraying the people of Jammu and Kashmir for political gain.
“The PDP’s foundation is built on lies and deceit,” Omar said while addressing the Budgam by-election campaign on the final day.
He called for a decisive mandate in favor of NC candidate Aga Syed Mahmood to ensure the continuation of development and progress in the constituency.
Slamming the PDP, CM Omar said, “This is the same party that destroyed a historic state like Jammu and Kashmir for its petty political interests. Before the 2014 elections, they made grand promises, but immediately after, they aligned with the BJP, enabling the destruction of our state and paving the way for the decisions of August 5, 2019.”
He stressed that the Budgam by-election was not about forming the government but about sending a clear message to those who betrayed J&K. “This election will not decide the Chief Minister or the government,” he said. “But the people of Budgam will decide whether they want to be active partners in the state’s development journey over the next four years.”
The campaign concluded with a series of roadshows, rallies, public meetings, and workers’ conferences across Budgam, where senior party leaders urged voters to come out in large numbers and back Mahmood for a decisive victory.
Addressing enthusiastic gatherings, Omar Abdullah highlighted the government’s commitment to Budgam, noting that over ₹100 crore had been sanctioned for various development projects in the constituency over the past year.
“Our opponents are trying to give the impression that nothing has been done in Budgam,” he said. “Since taking office, crores of rupees have been sanctioned for roads, macadamization, drainage systems, water supply schemes, a CT scan facility for the hospital, five new playgrounds, and power sector improvements. All ministers have personally visited these areas, listened to people’s demands, and ensured timely implementation.”
Abdullah appealed to the people to vote for Agha Syed Mahmood on November 11, promising that their support would bring a new era of development. “If you want to see Budgam transformed with a university, an international cricket stadium, and a sports academy then vote for the National Conference candidate,” he said adding, “Unemployment is a major challenge, and it is the government, not the PDP with its mere three MLAs, that can address it. We will use every available resource to create jobs for our youth.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government still has four years left to develop Budgam into a model constituency.
The campaign events were attended by senior NC leaders, including Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Cabinet Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javed Ahmad Dar, Rajya Sabha MP Chaudhary Muhammad Ramzan, MLA’s Mushtaq Guroo, Sajjad Shafi Uri, Hilal Lone, Salman Ali Sagar, Sajjad Shaheen, Ahsan Pardesi, Saifuddin Bhat, and Women’s Wing Provincial President Er. Sabiya Qadri, among others.