INDIA Bloc Not Part of ‘Vote Chori’ Push: CM Omar

Suhail Khan 

Srinagar, Dec 15 :  Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday distanced the Opposition INDIA bloc from the “vote chori” (vote theft) campaign led by the Congress, asserting the coalition “has nothing to do with it.”

His remarks came a day after senior Congress leaders, addressing a ‘Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod’ rally in New Delhi, launched a fierce attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission. They alleged electoral malpractice is “in the ruling party’s DNA” and labelled its leaders “gaddar” (traitors) conspiring to undermine public voting rights.

 Abdullah’s National Conference is a member of the INDIA bloc, in which the Congress holds the largest share of opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha.

Asked to comment on the Congress’s focus on “vote chori” and alleged electoral irregularities, the Chief Minister stated on the sidelines of a Srinagar event as per Kashmir Convener, “The INDIA bloc has nothing to do with it. Every political party is at liberty to set its own agenda. The Congress has made ‘vote chori’ its main issue. Who are we to tell them otherwise?”

The Congress claims to have gathered approximately six crore signatures against what it terms “vote theft,” pledging to submit them to the President of India.

In a separate development, Chief Minister Abdullah raised serious concerns over alleged political interference in the 850-MW Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar district, describing it as a “grave matter” for projects of national importance.

His statement followed allegations by executives of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), the project contractor, accusing a local BJP MLA of disruptive meddling. The company has warned that continued obstruction could force its withdrawal.

“Had similar allegations been made against a minister in my administration, the Anti-Corruption Bureau would have initiated raids immediately,” Mr. Abdullah remarked.

The Chief Minister further noted that several key departments, including the Power Development Department, remain outside the elected government’s control. “I hold the power portfolio, yet the corporation is not under the purview of the elected government,” he added.