Jammu, March 19: Amidst the conclusion of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nayay Yatra, leaders from the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti respectively, made appearances, even as their parties gear up for a head-to-head battle in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti joined Rahul Gandhi at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park as his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra reached its final destination on Sunday evening. While both Kashmiri leaders reiterated their commitment to jointly combat the BJP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections during the Yatra, back in Jammu and Kashmir, their parties are bracing for electoral contention against each other.
Shortly after Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti expressed their resolve to confront the BJP together, Omar Abdullah, the Vice President of the National Conference and former Chief Minister, announced that his party would soon unveil candidates for all three seats in the Kashmir Valley.
During the event, Dr. Farooq Abdullah urged voters to safeguard their votes, accusing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) of being “thieves.” He called for scrutiny of the paper trail and assurance of vote verification, predicting an end to the use of such machines once the INDIA Alliance assumes power, and advocating for an independent Election Commission.
Reflecting on the Yatra’s journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir amidst snowfall in the latter, Dr. Farooq Abdullah emphasized the diversity and unity of India.
Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti remarked on the BJP’s apprehension towards the Gandhi name, emphasizing the significance of voting as the most potent tool of democracy, while pointing towards Rahul Gandhi.
In essence, amidst political camaraderie on a national level, regional dynamics highlight the divergent strategies of parties as they prepare for electoral battles closer to home.
As the political storm rages on, the stage is set for a heated electoral battle as India braces for the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls, scheduled to begin on April 19 and conclude on June 1, with the counting of votes slated for June 4.
