Omar Abdullah Eyes Budgam After Ganderbal: Dual Nomination Sparks Debate
Omar Abdullah’s Electoral Gamble: Controversy, Strategy, and the Politics of Jammu & Kashmir
By: Javid Amin
In a dramatic turn of political events, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah has thrown his hat into the ring for not just one, but two assembly constituencies in the upcoming elections. This bold move has generated both criticism and intrigue, prompting discussions on political strategy, party strength, and the broader implications for Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.
Abdullah filed his nomination papers for the Ganderbal Assembly seat, long known as the stronghold of the Abdullah family, but in an unexpected twist, he also submitted his candidacy for the Budgam constituency a day later. The two seats are set to be contested in the second phase of the elections, and Abdullah’s decision to contest from multiple constituencies has sparked considerable debate.
A Historical Context: Ganderbal as the Abdullah Stronghold
For decades, the Ganderbal constituency has been synonymous with the Abdullah family. It is a political bastion that has seen victories for both Omar Abdullah and his father, Farooq Abdullah, in the past. As such, filing a nomination from Ganderbal was seen as a return to familiar territory for Omar, who had stepped away from the seat in previous elections.
However, his defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla constituency may have influenced his decision to add a second constituency—Budgam—to his electoral bid. The loss was a major upset for Abdullah, as the electorate of Baramulla handed a victory to Engineer Rashid, a jailed political leader, by over two lakh votes. This defeat likely contributed to Abdullah’s cautious strategy in the current elections, where a victory is crucial for his political comeback and the survival of the National Conference as a dominant force in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Dual Candidacy: A Sign of Strength or Weakness?
Omar Abdullah’s decision to contest from two constituencies—Ganderbal and Budgam—has sparked considerable discussion. While some see it as a bold move showcasing his confidence, others argue it is a sign of uncertainty about his chances of winning. Abdullah himself has firmly stated that contesting from two seats is not an indication of weakness, but rather a demonstration of the party’s widespread support across the region.
“My contesting from two seats is not a sign of weakness, but strength. It is proof of the NC’s strength. If there was any danger of my losing from Budgam, then my party colleagues would not have allowed me to contest from here,” Abdullah told reporters. He further claimed that there is a wave of support for the National Conference across the state, citing favorable sentiments in constituencies such as Baramulla, Srinagar, and Anantnag.
However, Abdullah’s political opponents, particularly within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have been quick to criticize his decision. Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, a senior leader of the PDP, pointed out that Abdullah’s choice to contest from two seats suggests uncertainty about his chances.
“If Omar Abdullah truly believed that the people are with him, he would not have felt the need to contest from two different constituencies. His decision shows a clear lack of confidence in his own claims of widespread support,” Lone remarked, highlighting the tensions between the two political parties.
The Broader Political Climate in Jammu and Kashmir
The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are pivotal, not just for the National Conference, but for the region as a whole. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape has been fundamentally altered. The abrogation stripped the region of its special status and divided it into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This move was met with widespread protests and resistance from the local population, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, where political sentiments are deeply intertwined with the issue of autonomy.
For Omar Abdullah and the National Conference, the elections represent an opportunity to regain political relevance and challenge the decisions made by New Delhi in 2019. Abdullah has been vocal in his opposition to the abrogation of Article 370, and he has positioned the National Conference as a party that will fight for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Allegations and Counterclaims: The Role of Militants in the Election
The political climate in Jammu and Kashmir is fraught with accusations and counterclaims, particularly regarding the influence of former militants in the election process. Ram Madhav, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claimed that “former militants were campaigning for the NC and PDP,” suggesting that these political parties were benefiting from the support of individuals with ties to militant organizations.
Omar Abdullah was quick to demand proof from the BJP leader, challenging Madhav to substantiate his claims. “Even as we know who are the Independents being fielded in the election, and who will benefit from their fighting, I think it is a bit rich of Ram Madhav to say that the NC is taking benefit from former militants. Show us where,” Abdullah said.
He further noted that every public function of the National Conference is closely monitored by intelligence agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), implying that any connections with militants would have been documented. Abdullah’s remarks reflect the broader skepticism regarding the BJP’s intentions in the region and the role of intelligence agencies in shaping the narrative of the elections.
The Aftermath of Article 370: A Defining Election
The abrogation of Article 370 continues to be a central issue in Jammu and Kashmir’s politics, and it is likely to dominate the discourse during the upcoming elections. For the National Conference, the abrogation was a turning point that has galvanized its political agenda. Abdullah has repeatedly emphasized that his party will seek to overturn the decisions made in August 2019 and restore the region’s autonomy.
“I am sure he has access to all intelligence reports. There is not a single function of ours that is not monitored by the IB, CID and other agencies. All videos are there, please show us where we are taking support from militants or surrendered militants,” Abdullah asserted, challenging the narrative set forth by the BJP.
Abdullah’s remarks underscore the delicate balance of power in Jammu and Kashmir, where political decisions made in New Delhi have far-reaching consequences for local parties. The upcoming elections will serve as a litmus test for the National Conference’s ability to regain public trust and challenge the BJP’s dominance in the region.
Corruption Allegations and Calls for Accountability
In addition to the political controversies surrounding Article 370, corruption and misgovernance have emerged as key issues in the upcoming elections. Abdullah has vowed to launch investigations into the alleged corruption and mismanagement that occurred during the past five to six years under the administration of Lieutenant Governors and bureaucrats. He has promised that any discrepancies found during these investigations will result in those responsible being held accountable.
“There will be an investigation into the era of misgovernance in the past five-six years…allegations of corruption, and allegations made by senior IAS officials. There will be an investigation into all those, and if any discrepancy is found, then they will be held accountable,” Abdullah said, signaling his intent to tackle corruption as part of the NC’s broader political agenda.
Internal Dissensions: Navigating Party Politics
Even within the National Conference, there have been signs of internal dissent. In Ganderbal, the Congress district president announced that he would contest against Omar Abdullah, highlighting the challenges the NC faces in maintaining unity within its ranks. Abdullah acknowledged the presence of dissent but downplayed its significance, noting that the dissension was less than what the party had anticipated.
“A party could not make all people happy during the elections,” Abdullah remarked, emphasizing that internal differences are to be expected in any political organization. Nevertheless, managing these internal tensions will be crucial for the National Conference as it seeks to present a united front in the face of formidable opposition from both the BJP and the PDP.
The Role of the Congress Party in the Elections
While the focus has largely been on the National Conference and the BJP, the Congress Party also plays a significant role in the upcoming elections. Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks about contracts being given to outsiders have sparked discussions about the economic and political implications of the central government’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah has echoed Gandhi’s concerns, stating that the National Conference will use the Assembly to convey the will of the people and express their dissatisfaction with the decisions made in New Delhi.
“We have already said it in our manifesto that through the Assembly we will tell the world that people are not in favour of the decisions that have been taken here,” Abdullah said, aligning the NC’s stance with that of the Congress Party on this issue. This alignment could pave the way for future collaborations between the two parties, particularly in their shared opposition to the BJP’s policies in the region.
Bottom-Line: A Pivotal Moment for Jammu and Kashmir
The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are shaping up to be one of the most consequential in the region’s history. For Omar Abdullah and the National Conference, the stakes are high. The elections represent an opportunity to reassert their political relevance and challenge the decisions made by the central government in 2019.
Abdullah’s decision to contest from two constituencies—Ganderbal and Budgam—has generated significant debate, with critics questioning his confidence and opponents accusing him of political opportunism. Nevertheless, Abdullah remains resolute, framing his dual candidacy as a demonstration of strength rather than weakness.
As the election campaign unfolds, issues such as corruption, the role of militants, and the legacy of Article 370 will continue to dominate the discourse. The results of the election will not only determine the future of the National Conference but also shape the broader political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir for years to come.
