Budgam, Nov 7 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday asserted that the alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) “continues to remain intact”, despite attempts by political rivals to suggest otherwise.
Campaigning in Budgam for the National Conference candidate, the Chief Minister, as per news agency JKNS, said electricity usage must be billed strictly where meters are installed. He stated that meters should not be fixed at places where they are unnecessary, adding that power bills will reflect actual consumption only.
Reiterating his government’s commitment, Omar said they had promised 200 units of free electricity for economically weaker households and would honour that pledge. He cautioned people not to be “misled by PDP’s political rhetoric”.
Omar accused the PDP leadership of installing meters in government offices during its tenure while “failing to extend any benefit to ordinary citizens”. Under the present administration, he said, assistance is being provided to financially vulnerable families.
The Chief Minister further alleged that PDP “misguided people, overlooked its past mistakes, and even ordered arrests”, all while maintaining ties with the BJP. In contrast, he added, the National Conference has consistently prioritised public welfare.
Omar urged voters to make a thoughtful choice, saying the next four years of governance will depend on their decision. He asked people to focus on development, youth employment and fair electricity billing.
Speaking about development commitments, Omar said there is a major difference between an MLA from the ruling party and one from the opposition. “When I represented Ganderbal while in government, I thanked people by giving them a university. As MLA Beerwah in the opposition, I could not deliver such a large project,” he said.
He told the gathering that he is determined to bring a university to Budgam “just as Ganderbal received one”, along with sports grounds for young people.
Highlighting the lack of sports infrastructure in Kashmir, Omar said major cricket matches are held outside the region and that Kashmir needs not only a stadium but a sports academy so that children can aim for national-level participation.
He said he has been in discussions with BCCI officials for months and believes that, once a decision is made, a major cricket stadium and academy for Kashmir could come up in Budgam. “But this will be possible only if you elect an MLA who can enter my office, fight for your rights, push for Budgam and Narbal’s issues, and secure necessary approvals,” he said. (JKNS)