Addressing a gathering of party workers in Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered a powerful and progressive speech, urging supporters not to be discouraged despite the current challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). “We may be a Union Territory (UT), but do not be annoyed. We will strive to reclaim what has been taken from us,” he stated, assuring the people that efforts would be made to restore the special status that had been revoked.
His comments come amid growing criticism from various factions, alleging that the National Conference (NC) had failed to keep the promise of restoring J&K’s special status. Omar Abdullah’s speech sought to reassure the public that the fight for their rights remains a priority.
Recognizing Equal Representation Across Regions
Omar Abdullah highlighted the historical significance of having a Deputy Chief Minister from the Jammu region, marking a milestone in the region’s political representation. “This is for those who used to say that NC is a party dominated by dynasts. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary shares no familial ties with me. His appointment was made to emphasize that Jammu holds an equal share in governance, just like Kashmir,” Abdullah declared. This decision aimed to counter the long-standing perception that NC only catered to the interests of a particular community or region.
The Chief Minister also addressed concerns about fair representation in the government. He noted that even before the election results were officially announced, there were doubts expressed regarding the inclusion of Jammu’s voice in governance. “I have consistently maintained that I will work to ensure the people of Jammu are involved in every step, so they do not feel excluded from the decision-making process,” he reassured.
Allegations of Unfair Delimitation and Reservation Policies
Abdullah took the opportunity to criticize recent delimitation efforts and reservation policies, which he claimed were designed to benefit a single political party. “These steps may have brought the elections closer for the ruling party, but they did not secure victory,” he pointed out, referencing the unsuccessful attempts to gain an electoral advantage.
With the election behind him, Abdullah emphasized that the real challenge lay ahead. “Winning the elections is the easy part; now, we must focus on reducing people’s suffering and closing the gap between the government and the citizens. It is our duty to serve the public and address their grievances,” he said, underscoring the administration’s commitment to tackling pressing issues in the region.
National Conference’s Resilience Against Adversity
Reflecting on the struggles faced by the National Conference over the past eight years, Omar Abdullah acknowledged the persistent efforts to weaken the party’s influence. “Despite the adversities, our workers and leaders stood firm like a rock, resisting all attempts to undermine us. The recent elections have proven that NC is not just a party of leaders but a movement fueled by a committed and resilient cadre,” he said, praising the dedication of the party members.
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The Chief Minister further stated that governance would not be based solely on electoral gains but would focus on inclusivity and unity. He directed government officers in Panchayats and District Development Councils (DDCs) to review policies and take public feedback into account, ensuring that the administration remained responsive to the needs of the people.
A Personal Reflection on Resilience and Political Comeback
Sharing a personal anecdote, Omar Abdullah recalled the challenging period following his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. “At that time, I felt as if rising again would be difficult. Many thought it was over for me. But nature has its own way of working things out. Today, those same people greet me warmly and express concern for my well-being,” he shared, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of politics.
However, Abdullah urged the party workers not to become complacent. “We should not be overly proud of winning the elections. The same people who have given us this opportunity can just as easily withdraw their support if we fail to deliver on our promises,” he cautioned, stressing the need for humility and accountability in governance.
Commitment to Media Freedom in J&K
In a gesture towards the media fraternity, Omar Abdullah assured that his administration would not adopt an iron-fist policy against journalists. “I will not punish anyone for criticizing me. I will ensure that the media operates freely and without fear. I am aware that many journalists have faced difficulties in obtaining accreditation and press cards, and I will work to resolve these discrepancies gradually,” he promised.
He encouraged the media to continue its role as a watchdog by highlighting the government’s shortcomings while also recognizing the positive achievements of the National Conference-led administration. “Your feedback is essential for us to improve. Point out our mistakes, but also acknowledge the good work we do,” he concluded.
Moving Forward: A United Effort for J&K’s Future
Omar Abdullah’s speech to the party workers marked a call for unity and perseverance in the face of adversity. He reaffirmed his commitment to reclaiming J&K’s rights and promoting inclusive governance that addresses the needs of both Jammu and Kashmir regions. As the newly elected government takes on the real task of bridging gaps and resolving issues, the Chief Minister’s words resonated as a reminder that the journey toward progress is a shared endeavor.
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Omar Abdullah’s address not only sought to rally the party members but also conveyed a message of hope to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. By focusing on resilience, fair governance, and freedom of expression, the Chief Minister set the tone for a future where the region’s unique identity and aspirations would be respected and restored.
