BJP Slams Omar Abdullah Over Afzal Guru Remarks Amidst J&K Polls

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticized former J&K CM Omar Abdullah's comments on Afzal Guru, accusing the INDIA alliance of supporting terrorists. Bhandari praised PM Modi’s development vision for J&K. Assembly elections in the Union territory are set for September 18, 25, and October 1.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Saturday responded to former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's remarks on Afzal Guru, stating that his comments reflect the mindset of the INDIA alliance, which he claims supports terrorists. Bhandari also commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies for Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing Modi's vision for development in the region.

BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for Jammu and Kashmir has always focused on development, ensuring that terrorism is eradicated from the valley. In contrast, the Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, and Omar Abdullah seem to support terrorists. Abdullah's statement that he wouldn’t have allowed Afzal Guru's hanging if it were up to him reveals the mindset of the INDIA alliance. Over the past decade, Jammu and Kashmir has seen no stone-pelting incidents, and terrorism has decreased significantly. We are confident that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will elect a BJP-led government to continue on this path of development."

BJP leader Altaf Thakur added, "Omar Abdullah is openly supporting Pakistan's policies to win the election. He is anxious after the parliamentary election loss."

Regarding the execution of Afzal Guru, Omar Abdullah previously stated that the Jammu and Kashmir government had no role in the decision. He mentioned that had state approval been required, it wouldn’t have been granted. "The unfortunate thing was that the J-K government had nothing to do with Afzal Guru's execution. Otherwise, you would have had to do it with state government permission, which would not have been forthcoming," Abdullah said.

Assembly elections in the Union territory are scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. There are a total of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, with 7 seats reserved for SCs and 9 seats for STs.

According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible voters. These will be the first assembly elections in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI)