Kupwara, May 7: National Conference (NC) Vice President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that the mass resignation by NC unit in Kargil is a personal loss to him because he had put in lot of efforts to revive his party there during last three years.
“National Conference had made a commitment with I.N.D.I.A bloc that they will support Congress candidate in Kargil but that decision did not go well with NC and Congress units of Kargil. Both the units showed resentment against the nominated candidate Tsering Namgyal. We tried to convince our Kargil cadre but they chose the other way and tendered mass resignation. If supporting Congress ceases our party in Kargil, we are ready to pay the price,” said Omar while talking to reporters on the sidelines of an election rally at Drugmulla area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Replying to a question about Er Rashid, he said that he regrets that Er Rashid was contesting election from Tihar Jail. “People know who is involved in sending him to Tihar Jail. I wish Er Rashid could campaign like he did in 2019. I will always try for his release because he is yet to be convicted rather chargesheeted in the court,” former chief minister said.
While replying to a question regarding transfer of votes from Congress, the National Conference Vice President said that he will not doubt intentions of anyone but yes transfer of votes happens to be difficult task. “ But I will be thankful if a single vote from Congress comes in my favour,” he said.
While reacting to PDP’s leader Mir Fayaz’s statement, Omar said that tearing clothes and remaining absent in Rajya Sabha on the day of voting against Article 370 was altogether different. “He helped BJP in abrogation of Article 370 by way of remaining absent,” he said.
“People should ask him why he remained absent when Article 370 was put to vote in Rajya Sabha. BJP did not have a majority in Rajya Sabha but he chose to remain absent thus paving the way for abrogation of Article 370,” said the former Chief Minister.
“He (Fayaz) was free after the abrogation of Article 370 but NC leaders including Dr Farooq Abdullah and me were arrested. Why was government so kind to him, he needs to answer this question,” added Omar.