Claiming that Jammu and Kashmir did not witness incidents like the recent Pahalgam and Delhi attacks when he was heading the government in a full-fledged state, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said security should be handed over to the elected government and “take state back if we fail.”
Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the NC Working Committee’s two-day meeting, Omar said the Union Government cannot deny elected representatives their rightful authority while simultaneously blaming them for security lapses.
“When we governed as a state, no Pahalgam attack happened, no Delhi attack happened. Give us security. If we cannot handle it, take state back and convert it into UT again,” he said.
On smart meters, Omar said the government wants people to receive good-quality electricity at lower prices.
He said it is a proven fact that poor households pay less under metered billing compared to flat rates. “For the government to fulfill its promise of 200 free units of electricity, the metering must increase.”
“Metering is still below 50%. Without meters, most households cannot benefit from the 200-unit scheme,” he said.
On the reservation issue, Omar said the cabinet subcommittee’s report is complete and will be taken up in the next cabinet meeting. He said the process was delayed to avoid complications during the election period.
“Elections are over, the code of conduct is over. The concerned minister will bring the memo in the next cabinet meeting,” he said.
Omar said he has sought time from daily wagers and reminded critics that no previous government had made real progress on their concerns.
Taking a swipe at the PDP, he said those accusing the NC of forgetting manifesto should remember the “biggest betrayal” in 2014.
“They asked for votes against the BJP and then joined hands with the BJP. We kept our promises, we kept the BJP out, brought resolutions to the assembly and cabinet, and are fulfilling people’s demands step by step,” he said.
Amid an ongoing rift with MP Agha Ruhullah, who was not invited to the NC’s Working Committee meeting, Omar said the panel is reserved for leaders who adhere strictly to party discipline.
“The party’s Working Committee is meant only for those who understand the discipline of the organisation and do not try to communicate with the party through the media,” he said.
Ruhullah said the panel discussed the current political situation, received feedback from MLAs and office bearers, and reviewed the party’s performance in several constituencies, including Budgam and Nagrota.
Omar said the Working Committee offered valuable advice, and he assured that all suggestions received from organisational leaders and legislators will be taken into consideration.