SRINAGAR, Sept 28: Ahead of the final phase of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah urged voters to prioritise their honour and dignity by rejecting candidates whom he described as “devils in disguise” and “sent by Delhi”.
The third and final phase of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held on October 1. As many as 40 seats — 24 in the Jammu region and 16 in Kashmir — will go to polls in this phase.
Speaking about the prospects of the National Conference-Congress alliance in the polls, Abdullah exuded confidence that it would secure a majority in the 90-member assembly and emphasised the BJP would not gain power in the Union territory.
With the high-pitch campaigning for the last leg of polling set to end on Sunday evening, the NC chief made a passionate appeal to the people, asking them to make a thoughtful decision while casting their votes.
He emphasised the importance of voting for a better future and highlighted the need for improved job opportunities, progress, dignity, and an enhanced quality of life.
“Think carefully,” the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said and asked voters to be aware of individuals “sent by Delhi” who may not have their best interests at heart.
“They are like devils in disguise,” he warned while stressing the importance of being vigilant during elections.
Looking to galvanise support for the NC-Congress combine, Abdullah said, “Where you see the hand (Congress' poll symbol), vote for the hand. Where you see the plough (NC poll symbol), vote for the plough.”
The NC chief did not hold back his thoughts while discussing Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid, who, he believes, is being used by the BJP to “manipulate” voter dynamics.
“Time will tell. People now know it is not the same thing as it was earlier… He's from Delhi, he's from BJP and he's playing a part in dividing the votes,” he said.
Abdullah alleged that Rashid was “representing his master's voice actually… He's part of BJP… I pity him.”
“He's seeing how Muslims are being treated in the rest of the country and he doesn't realise that this may come here also. He may also be completely finished by the very powers that are projecting him today. I feel sad for him. I hope people will understand one day where he stands,” he said.
Asked about the BJP's remarks on restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, Farooq Abdullah expressed scepticism. “I don't think I can trust.”
“They say one thing and do exactly the opposite. What was the need to announce before elections that the L-G would have all the powers of the state? That's the tragedy,” he said.
To a question whether the government that would formed after the polls would be a weak one, the NC chief said, “It will be a strong government. It will be a government that will bring back the dignity and honour to Jammu and Kashmir.”
“Those who think it will be a weak government, I feel sorry for them. They need to rethink,” he said.
