Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, vehemently voiced his opposition on Wednesday to a power project agreement with Rajasthan, denouncing it as a blatant “loot” of the region.
Addressing concerns at a press conference held at the party headquarters, Abdullah expressed dismay over the hydroelectric power project being handed over to Rajasthan for a lengthy 40-year period.
He categorically stated that such an arrangement, where the power generated from these projects benefits another region, would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Highlighting the irony of being chosen first for the installation of smart meters while diverting hydroelectric power to Rajasthan, Abdullah asserted, “We will not permit this, even if it requires taking the issue to the Supreme Court.”
The National Conference (NC) vice president went on to note that this marks the first time he has witnessed an electric power agreement spanning four decades and affirmed that steps would be taken to ensure the project remains within Jammu & Kashmir after the upcoming assembly elections.
Touching on broader political issues, Omar Abdullah addressed a review petition filed in the Supreme Court regarding the Article 370 verdict.
He stated that discussions on aligning with the petitioners would be considered. Expressing disappointment, he criticized the government’s reluctance to hold elections in Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s intervention in the matter.
Abdullah remarked, “It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court had to intervene in the assembly polls in J&K. The Election Commission of India must feel ashamed of it,” questioning India’s commitment to democratic principles.
The former Chief Minister also raised concerns about the timing of the delimitation exercise, suggesting it could have been conducted earlier, especially if deemed necessary for urban local body polls. Responding to queries about attending the Ram temple inauguration, Abdullah clarified that his name was not on the list of invitees, dismissing any notion of personal choice in attending the event.
On the prospect of his candidacy in parliamentary elections, Omar Abdullah clarified that no discussions had taken place yet.
He asserted that NC chief, Farooq Abdullah, would be the first choice for candidacy. Addressing the Maldives row, Abdullah criticized some Maldivian ministers for inappropriate remarks against the Indian Prime Minister, deeming their statements as wrong.