Srinagar: J&K Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone, who is contesting from Bla-Kup-Bud Lok Sabha constituency against Omar Abdullah, Vice President, JK National Conference today got a shot in the arm as former minister and MLA Khansahib and DDC chairman Budgam extended support to him in forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Earlier, Lone had sought electoral support of PDF (Peoples Democratic Front) chief, Hakeem Mohammad Yasin and DDC Chairman Budgam Nazir Ahmad Khan.
“I appeal to PDF Chairman Hakim Mohammad Yasin and DDC Chairman Budgam Nazir Ahmad Khan to extend their support to JKPC in north Kashmir’s Baramulla,” Lone had said.
Meanwhile, PDF Chairman Hakim Mohammad Yaseen reciprocated to the call of Lone, and announced that his party will support Sajad Lone in north Kashmir.
“I along with DDC Chairman Budgam Nazir Ahmad Khan had made a decision to field our own candidate from Budgam Parliamentary Constituency. However, due to de-limitation, we were unable to do so; The NC MPs who were in Parliament when Article 370 was abrogated did not even discuss the matter; we believe that there should be a new and young voice that can represent the aspirations of the people so we have decided to support Sajad Lone in the North Kashmir Parliamentary Constituency,” Yasin announced.
Meanwhile, Sajad Lone today addressed party workers in Boniyar, Uri at a mass joining event which he termed as the reflection of party’s commitment to inclusivity and grassroots connectivity.
Highlighting the long-neglected plight of Uri and its people, Lone vowed to transform the region into a bustling tourist hub, providing dignified livelihoods and job opportunities for the youth through investments and corporate presence.
“This is my firm commitment to uplift the marginalized sections of society who have suffered relentlessly and provide youth with dignified employment opportunities,” he said.
Taking a strong dig at the National Conference, Lone accused its leaders of fuelling a polarizing and inflammatory narrative through digital media, benefitting the BJP across the country while endangering the well-being of Muslim community members.
“It is astonishing to see that even after being involved in various corruption cases, Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah are not being brought to justice, while other leaders across the country have been put behind bars. This inaction and conferring of special treatment towards the father-son duo are evident of an overt alliance and political favour from the BJP,” he said.
He emphasized that it’s incumbent upon the BJP and NC to clarify to the people of Jammu and Kashmir why no action has been taken despite undeniable evidence of corruption, all while affording special treatment to the father-son duo.
“If there truly isn’t any hidden understanding or alliance, then actions similar to those taken in other cases, which might be less severe than father-son corruption charges, should have been taken years ago. Yet, there appears to be a deliberate shielding of them. This is no secret,” he remarked.
Lone added that the NC is wilfully trying to fan a communal divide as it is “hand in glove with the BJP,” citing Omar Abdullah’s statement on record about his willingness to work with Vajpayee again, implying no ideological contention with the party.
