Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday told his party workers to remain patient, assuring them that all efforts would be made to reclaim what has been taken from the people.
“We are a Union Territory, but don’t be disheartened. We will regain what has been snatched from us,” Omar said while addressing party workers in Jammu.
His statement was the reaction to criticism that the National Conference (NC) has softened its stance on restoring Jammu and Kashmir's special status- autonomy under Article 370.
He highlighted that it is the first time that a deputy chief minister was chosen from the Jammu region, countering accusations that the NC is a dynastic party.
"In the past, the deputy CM came from other parties. This time, it is someone from Jammu. Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary has no familial relation with me," he said. "Appointing the deputy CM was not a compulsion for me; it was to show that Jammu has an equal share in the government.”
He also added that the deputy CM being from the same party is a message to those who claim NC is only for Muslims.
Congress is yet to decide whether it would take a share in the council of ministers, he said.
Reflecting on the election results, he expressed gratitude to independent candidates who supported NC immediately after winning their seats. “Even before the results were out, some people started claiming that Jammu would face injustice due to a lack of representation in the government,’’ he said. From day one, I have maintained that I will ensure Jammu is equally represented, he added.
Criticising the delimitation process and reservations, he said they were designed to favour a particular party. "But the results speak for themselves,” he said. He said such tactics failed to help the BJP win the election.
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Winning elections was only the beginning, the real task is yet to begin now. “We must minimise people’s hardships and bridge the gap between the government and the people," he said.
He said the government's focus should be on serving the people and addressing their issues.
In the past eight years, efforts were made to sideline the party politically. “But our workers and leaders stood firm and we overcame those challenges,’’ Omar said.
He said the NC is not just a party of leaders; it’s a party of committed workers, as proven in the recent elections.
Omar also stressed that the government would aim to unite everyone. Directions were given to officers in Panchayats and District Development Councils (DDCs) to review areas where people’s feedback was not taken seriously.
Recalling his loss in the Lok Sabha polls, he said he thought it would be hard to rise again.
“Some may have thought I was finished...But today, those same people greet me warmly. This is how destiny works," he said.
He cautioned his workers against complacency, telling them the people could take away their mandate if they fail to deliver.
In a message to the media, he promised not to adopt a heavy-handed approach. "I will not punish anyone for criticising me,’’ he said. “The media in J&K will be allowed to work freely and without fear.”
He said he was aware that some journalists have not been granted accreditation or press cards and will address this issue gradually. While encouraging the media to call out the government’s mistakes, he also urged them to highlight the positive work done by the NC-led government.