J&K Assembly Elections: CM Dhami Highlights Public Enthusiasm Amidst Political Jousting

As Jammu and Kashmir's assembly elections near, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami remarks on the public's enthusiasm for a 'double-engine' government. PM Modi criticizes opposition parties while NC's Omar Abdullah condemns his remarks. The elections are set for September and October in 8 constituencies.

With assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir approaching, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted significant public enthusiasm for the upcoming polls and expressed that residents are eager for a 'double-engine' government in the Union Territory. 'There is a lot of enthusiasm among the public in Jammu and Kashmir regarding the assembly elections. The people of J&K want development and peace. Terrorism has decreased, and tourism has increased in J&K. The public desires a double-engine government,' said Chief Minister Dhami.

Earlier in the day, during a public meeting in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi took aim at the Congress, the National Conference, and the People's Democratic Party, warning that their election promises could lead to a return of volatile times with schools set on fire and daily stone-pelting. Targeting opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his 'Mohabbat ki Dukaan' slogan, Prime Minister Modi argued that those running 'nafrat ki dukaan' (shops of hate) are masking themselves behind the facade of 'mohabbat ki dukaan' (shops of love).

PM Modi further criticized the opposition for allegedly keeping the Constitution 'in their pockets' to hide their 'misdeeds' and condemned them for depriving the Pahadi, SC, ST, and OBC communities of reservation in the former state. In a counterattack, National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah slammed the Prime Minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for his comments on political dynasties during his recent visit to Doda, ahead of the assembly elections.

Speaking to ANI on Friday, former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pointed to a recent militant attack that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and ongoing encounters in the Union Territory. He accused the Prime Minister of using issues related to political families to divert attention from more pressing concerns. Abdullah is currently running for the Ganderbal assembly constituency in the upcoming elections.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are set for September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the counting scheduled for October 8. The first phase will occur in eight constituencies across the three districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban with voting scheduled for September 18.

(With inputs from agencies.)