उमर अब्दुल्ला ने पीएम मोदी से जम्मू-कश्मीर को राज्य का दर्जा बहाल करने का भरोसा जताया, चुनाव परिणामों को नकारा

Omar Abdullah expresses confidence that PM Modi will fulfil his promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, rejects poll results

Former chief minister and newly elected MLA Omar Abdullah has expressed confidence that the Prime Minister will fulfil his promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. In an interview to NDTV, he said the Prime Minister is an honourable person and has promised statehood to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "I hope he will fulfil this promise," Abdullah said. He also dismissed suggestions that the BJP's failure to win the polls could delay it. Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir will not benefit from an "antagonistic relationship" with the BJP-led Centre. Restoration of statehood was a key poll plank for the NC-Congress alliance. It is likely to be the alliance's first major demand after taking over governance in the Union Territory. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Omar Abdullah on the NC's big win. "I would like to congratulate JKNC for their commendable performance in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections," the PM posted on Twitter. @JKNC, Responding to this, Omar Abdullah wrote, Thank you very much for the congratulatory message @narendramodi sahab. We look forward to a constructive relationship in the true spirit of federalism, so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir can benefit from continued development and good governance.

Hoping for a constructive relationship with the Centre, Abdullah said the Union Territory is at a crucial stage of its economic and social development and should have a healthy working relationship with the central government. "I hope they (BJP) will realise that Jammu and Kashmir is at a very crucial stage and should not play politics," he said. Omar Abdullah also objected to the lieutenant governor's move to nominate five members to the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, which has been sharply criticised by the NC and other parties. "Some relationship needs to be built. Currently there is no relationship between the current governor and the governor. If the lieutenant governor decides to protest, Jammu and Kashmir will not benefit," he said. The NC leader also highlighted a key challenge for the new government - giving a sense of ownership to the voters of Jammu who did not vote for the NC-Congress. I believe that when statehood is restored, the government should also take steps to restore the Legislative Council. We should give representation to everyone, he said, also including Kashmiri Pandits in his appeal. On the NC winning 42 seats, Abdullah said there are enough reasons to smile. He said, we have performed well, better than our expectations. Omar Abdullah will become the chief minister for the second time, as announced by his father, party patron and Lok Sabha member Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday.