The ruling National Conference (NC) on Wednesday released poll manifesto promising to safeguard Article 370 and work for the restoration of internal autonomy to Jammu & Kashmir. The ruling party conceded that it has conflicting perceptions on policy matters with the coalition partner — the Congress, but “the party delivered on major promises it had made”.
The manifesto was released after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah filed his nomination papers from Sonwar constituency of capital Srinagar, which is scheduled to go for polls in the pen-ultimate phase of elections on December 14.
The NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar released the manifesto. Referring to the recent devastating floods that hit Kashmir in September, the manifesto claimed that despite the whole administrative machinery submerged and all connectivity collapsed, chief minister Omar Abdullah led from the front to coordinate the rescue and relief efforts.
Meanwhile, appreciating the massive turnout in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described it an indication of a groundswell of support for his party-National Conference(NC).
“I congratulate the people of my State for rising up to the occasion yet again and standing in enduring defense of their political identity and interests. We are very encouraged by the high-voter turnout and assure our critics and the nay-sayers that NC will emerge triumphant in these elections”, Abdullah said here after filing his nomination papers Abdullah is also contesting from Beerwah constituency in central Kashmir’s Budgam district after relinquishing his traditional constituency Ganderbal.
Abdullah, who is the Working President of his party, said that NC was fighting a historic battle to safeguard not only the special status of the State but was also resolute in protecting the political and cultural identity of Jammu and Kashmir. “There were people vying for a low voter-turnout in these elections and wanted to use that as an opportunity to systematically disempower the people of the State. The high voter-turnout in the first phase is not only a historic development at this crucial juncture but will also embolden NC not just electorally but also politically in our mission to protect the interests of Jammu and Kashmir and its brave people”, Abdullah said.