Srinagar, Sep 13 (KB): The challenge sent by Engineer Rashid to Omar Abdullah, chief of the National Conference party seems to have taken a dramatic turn. The latter has come out as promised with the consequences which can erupt a volcano in the political landscape of Kashmir.
Abdullah said he will go to Tihar Jail along with Rashid when the latter steps out of politics.
At Kulgam, while speaking with reporters, as per news agency—Kashmir Bulletin (KB), Abdullah said, “I am accepting the challenge. I will personally go with him when it’s time. Let him quit politics.” The bold declaration by Abdullah comes in response to the recent statement by Rashid that he would quit politics if the former joins him in the Tihar Jail.
Abdullah’s acceptance of the challenge outlines a greater political strategy when he spoke for an ’emphatic defeat’ of the BJP in the coming elections. He pledged to redress Article 370 and to ensure the protection of rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our first and foremost agenda is to keep the BJP away from power. There is no ambiguity in the stand of the National Conference that it will not enter into any alliance with the BJP,” Abdullah said.
The NC leader also attacked Rashid for his ambiguity over alliances that might be stitched in the future. Abdullah asked why he did not come out categorically against ever aligning with the BJP, adding that if on this issue “Rashid remains mum, there is cause for serious apprehension”.
In a larger perspective, the defiance of Abdullah and the utterances that followed are testimonies to uniquely frenetic political maneuvering in J&K as different parties gear up for the imminent elections.
This firm stance by Abdullah and strategic positioning is indicative of how seriously the National Conference is determined to reshape the political narrative in the region and ready to challenge BJP’s preeminence.— (KB)
