Ajay Sadhotra Confident of Congress-NC Government in Jammu and Kashmir, Criticizes BJP

Ajay Sadhotra, National Conference candidate for Jammu North, expressed confidence in forming a Congress-NC government in Jammu and Kashmir with public support. Criticizing the BJP for dishonesty, he highlighted the alliance's focus on employment and education. Omar Abdullah countered Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on the NC-Congress alliance.

Ajay Sadhotra, the National Conference's candidate for Jammu North, confidently stated on Thursday that a government formed by the Congress and National Conference would come into power in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, thanks to the blessings and support of the people. Speaking with ANI, Sadhotra asserted, "With the blessings of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the government of Congress and the National Conference will be formed here."

Sadhotra directed sharp criticism at the BJP, accusing them of misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that both the Congress and the National Conference are dedicated to the well-being of J-K residents, focusing particularly on creating employment opportunities and improving education. "Either they (BJP) have not read the manifesto, or they are lying to the people. I request their leaders to read the manifesto and then talk... We talk about employment, we have to save people's land, we have to save people's education. Congress and National Conference talk about people..." said Sadhotra.

In addressing another sensitive issue, Sadhotra confirmed that there is "no proposal to change the name" of Shankaracharya Hill, a historically significant site where the Shankaracharya Temple is located. Back in 2013, controversy erupted in Srinagar following allegations that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) intended to rename Shankaracharya Hill to 'Takht-e-Suleman,' sparking protests from displaced Kashmiri Pandits who accused ASI of distorting historic Hindu monuments.

In a separate development, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah strongly reacted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks that the NC and Congress alliance would "follow the agenda of Pakistan." Abdullah countered, saying that if this were true, the party would have pursued such an agenda 35 years ago. "We don't expect anything more from the BJP. The National Conference is an organization that has made thousands of sacrifices over the last 35 years. If we had to follow Pakistan's agenda, we would have done so 35 years ago. Perhaps then, my more than 4,500 companions would not have been sacrificed," Abdullah told reporters in Kupwara.

Abdullah added, "If Union Home Minister Amit Shah wants to ignore the sacrifices made by the National Conference, what can I do about it?" Earlier, while addressing a rally in Udhampur, Amit Shah accused the NC-Congress alliance of planning to impose Pakistan's agenda if elected to power. Shah also criticized the families of Gandhis, Muftis, and Abdullahs, accusing them of nepotism and corruption, and praised Prime Minister Modi for his efforts to combat corruption.

Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah is set to address three public rallies in the Jammu region on Friday as part of his extensive campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections. These rallies will be held in Udhampur East, Vijaypur, and Jammu North constituencies, during which Abdullah will outline the party's vision and commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The second phase of J-K Assembly polls was held on September 25, with the final phase scheduled for October 1 and the vote count on October 8. These elections are the first in the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370, nearly a decade after the last polls.

(With inputs from agencies.)