‘Vote Chori’ issue is Congress agenda not of INDI Alliance
Srinagar, Dec 15 (KNO): Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Monday reiterated that political interference in the functioning of institutions is unacceptable and must be addressed firmly. He said elected representatives deserve due respect and should be properly consulted in administrative decisions.
Omar further added that the INDI Alliance has no involvement in the “vote chori” issue, which is being raised solely by the Congress party.
Speaking to reporters after e-inaugurating and laying foundation stones for developmental projects worth Rs 37.92 crore at Srinagar’s SKICC, CM Omar described recent reports of political meddling in corporations and departments as “unfortunate and worrying”.
“Political interference should not take place. These matters must be taken seriously. Earlier, institutions were accountable to an elected government, but now decisions are being taken without that democratic framework,” Omar said.
He added that the departments, such as the Power Development Corporation, must function independently, free from “external pressure or political motivation”.
The Chief Minister further addressed concerns over alleged interference in major national projects. “If my ministers were involved in the interference of a national project like the 850-megawatt Ratle Hydroelectric Project, they would have been raided by the anti-corruption bureau by now. These projects are not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire country and are of national importance. There should be no interference. The agencies should look into it,” Omar said.
He also commented on a controversy surrounding the Rs 3,700 crore Chenab Power Project in Kishtwar, where Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), a Hyderabad-based company, alleged political pressure from a local MLA to hire unskilled workers, warning it might pull out of the project.
Without naming anyone, the CM said, “Allegations concern one MLA, while other politicians, including two MLAs from the opposition, are also accused of intervening in local projects.”
On local governance, Abdullah stressed that elected MLAs should be treated with dignity and their concerns heard in administrative processes. “With coordination between the MLA and the administration, issues can be resolved amicably,” he said, referring to the Chadoora demolition issue.
On development, the Chief Minister e-inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects aimed at improving civic infrastructure, including the remodelling of Wool Mandi Nowshera, new facilities at GMC Srinagar and the construction of bridges at Gandtal and Sarabagh. He also distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries under ‘Mission YUVA’ and the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
During a review of ongoing projects under CSS, Capex, SASCI and CDF, Omar stressed timely completion, optimal utilisation of funds and addressing urban challenges such as air pollution, traffic congestion and the Achan landfill site.
On tourism, he said efforts are underway to revive the sector ahead of Christmas and New Year, noting that the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India’s annual convention in Srinagar is a positive development.
“While there have been cancellations due to recent tensions, efforts are on to revive the sector ahead of Christmas and New Year,” he said. “The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India will soon hold its annual convention in Srinagar, which is a positive step. We must focus on reviving tourism promotion and infrastructure.”
Clarifying the “vote chori” issue, Omar said it is being raised by the Congress party.
“Every political party has the freedom to set its agenda as it wishes. Congress has made vote theft, or the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), its main political issue. Who are we to tell them not to do it? We will choose our issues, let them choose theirs,” he said.
Regarding the NIA filing a charge sheet in the Pahalgam terror attack case, Abdullah said, “The NIA’s job was to investigate. Now the charge sheet will be presented, and the court will take its course.”
“An investigation has been conducted, and the chargesheet is being filed; the decision will now be taken by the court. There is a law to determine guilt or innocence, and that responsibility lies with the judiciary,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated that once an investigation is complete, the matter should be left to the courts. “As I have always maintained, whenever any action is taken, or any employee is terminated, it should be left to the court. In the Pahalgam case, the NIA’s role was to investigate, and that investigation has now been completed. The chargesheet will be presented before the court,” Omar said. (KNO)
2.30 Cr tourists flock to J&K in 2024
New Delhi, Dec 15: The Union Government Monday informed Lok Sabha that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a significant surge in tourism in the year 2024, with footfalls exceeding 2.30 crore visitors.
This record influx includes more than 65,000 foreign tourists that underscores the Union Territory’s increasingly prominent role in India’s tourism sector.
Replying to an unstarred question, Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that Jammu and Kashmir registered 2,30,12,707 domestic tourist visits and 65,452 foreign tourist visits in 2024—taking the total footfall to 2,30,78,159.
The minister also informed the house that the Ministry of Tourism is providing financial assistance for tourism infrastructure development under schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, Challenge Based Destination Development and Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development.
Jammu and Kashmir is eligible for support under these schemes for strengthening tourism facilities and destinations.
On promotion of cultural and heritage tourism, the minister said that although development and maintenance of tourist sites is primarily the responsibility of States and UTs, the centre promotes destinations in a holistic manner through events, fairs, festivals, digital platforms and international tourism exhibitions to boost both domestic and foreign tourist inflow, including to Jammu and Kashmir.
