Omar Abdullah Urges United Voting as Polls Continue in J-K

Omar Abdullah of the National Conference encouraged voters to support his party, highlighting urgent local issues and criticizing previous alliances. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy accused the NC-Congress alliance of attempting to reinstate Article 370. The second phase of J-K elections is set for September 23.

Omar Abdullah, leader of the National Conference, alleged on Monday that there are active efforts to 'divide our voice' and 'votes.' Speaking ahead of the second phase of polling on September 23, he urged voters to support the National Conference.

'I am seeking one more opportunity to serve you. There are many unemployed youth here. Land issues and skyrocketing electricity bills are prevailing problems. Attempts are being made to divide our voice and votes,' Abdullah said at a rally in Ganderbal district. He criticized the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for its 2014 alignment with the BJP.

'In 2014, PDP appealed for votes to stop the BJP. The people of Jammu and Kashmir gave them 28 seats, but these MLAs ultimately aligned with the BJP. If these parties succeed, they will only bring the BJP into the Union Territory,' Abdullah added. Meanwhile, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy slammed the Congress-National Conference alliance, accusing them of intending to implement the 'Jinnah Constitution' by reinstating Article 370.

'The NC's manifesto claims that after coming to power, they will reinstate Article 370. It is wrong that the Congress-NC will try to remove the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, implemented after 70 years by Prime Minister Modi,' Reddy told ANI. While Congress remains silent on Article 370, the NC promises its restoration.

Former J-K Chief Minister Abdullah is contesting from Budgam and Ganderbal, polling for which is scheduled for September 23. The first of the three-phase assembly elections saw a 61.13% voter turnout on September 18 in 24 constituencies across seven districts. Voting for the subsequent phases will be held on September 25 and October 1, with the counting of votes set for October 8. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)