There is intense political ferment in Jammu and Kashmir at the moment. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has leveled serious allegations against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's troubles are escalating in the Budgam assembly by-election. Already facing the displeasure of dissident party MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, the Chief Minister is now in fresh trouble due to a complaint from the BJP. On Wednesday, BJP candidate from Budgam, Agha Syed Mohsin, filed a complaint with the Chief Election Commissioner, accusing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of violating the Model Code of Conduct.
BJP legislature party leader Sunil Sharma said that by-elections are being held in the Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies, and in this context, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a temporary campus of the National Law University (NLU) in Budgam and the commencement of classes there, with the intention of influencing voters.
BJP Files Formal Complaint with Election Commission
BJP candidate from the Budgam assembly seat, Agha Syed Mohsin, has filed a formal complaint with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Mohsin stated that the Chief Minister announced a temporary campus of the National Law University (NLIU) in Budgam during election campaigning to influence voters. He alleges that this announcement was made purely for political gain.
He said, "It is clear that the Chief Minister announced the establishment of the Law University to influence voters in favor of his party. This is a direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct. I have requested the Election Commission to take strict action against Omar Abdullah."
Sunil Sharma's Statement – "Omar Abdullah Should Resign on Moral Grounds"
BJP Legislature Party leader Sunil Sharma bly criticized Omar Abdullah, stating that the Chief Minister announced the commencement of Law University classes in Budgam inside the assembly, even though the Model Code of Conduct was already in effect there. He said,
'This statement by the Chief Minister is a clear violation of electoral rules. He should immediately resign on moral grounds. If he does not do so, the BJP will take this matter to the National Election Commission and demand action.'
Sharma also stated that the BJP would soon file a separate complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure a fair investigation and maintain the sanctity of the Code of Conduct.
Political Heat Rises in Budgam By-election
Voting is scheduled for November 11 in the Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies. Even before the elections on these two seats, a situation of discontent had arisen within the NC (National Conference). Dissident party MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is already displeased with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Differences between the two leaders have emerged over reservation policy, local development, and political strategy.
Two days ago, Ruhullah's supporters also protested against the Chief Minister in Srinagar and Budgam. In this situation, the BJP's complaint has further increased Omar's difficulties. Omar Abdullah, while giving his clarification in the assembly, stated that he did not announce the National Law University for any electoral gain.
In response to a question raised by Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, the Chief Minister informed that the state government had already approved a budget of Rs 50 lakh for this project in the current financial year.
