Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the inauguration of Sonamarg Tunnel and said that he has worked to “reduce distance” between the Union Territory and New Delhi.
Abdullah also hailed the Prime Minister for fulfilling his promise made to the people during his visit following his third election victory last year to conduct Assembly elections in the UT, stating that the move has propelled the residents to “trust you even more
“When you came to Srinagar after winning your third election, you conducted International Yoga Day here. You said some things to the people here, based on which people have started to trust you even more,” the Chief Minister, who is also a part of the Opposition’s INDIA bloc, said as the prime minister sat on the stage.
Mentioning that PM Modi has put in efforts to erase the distance between Delhi and UT, Abdullah said that it is evident from the work the Centre has undertaken in the region.
“You said three key things in your speech — you are bent upon diminishing distance from Delhi and heart (Aap dil ki duri or Dilli ki duri mitane ke liye lage huye hain). And it is evident with your work. In a span of 15 days, this is your second programme in relation to Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
“Before this, you gifted Jammu with rail division. And today you yourself have come here to inaugurate the Sonamarg Tunnel. With such moves, distance not just from the heart, but also from Delhi is reduced,” he added, leaving the Prime Minister in smile
He recalled PM Modi’s Assembly election vow and said that he stood firm on his words and gave the people of J&K to vote. Deviating from his INDIA allies’ stance of accusing the Centre of misusing powers against them, Abdullah said that there were no complaints of fraud or misuse of power by the administration
He also credited PM Modi for the peaceful conduct of the Assembly elections in which the National Conference secured a majority.
“You had said that elections will take place soon. You stood firm on your words. You gave people in J&K to vote and choose their government. People took part in the elections with enthusiasm. There were no complaints of fraud and misuse of power by the administration. There was no need for re-poll. The credit goes to you, your partners, and the ECI,” he said
The Chief Minister also went on to raise the issue of restoration of statehood in front of the Prime Minister and said that he believes PM Modi would fulfill his promise soon.
“You also said about statehood. I tell people that the Prime Minister has fulfilled his promise to conduct the election in four months, my heart says he will fulfill his third promise very soon and J&K will become the state. I thank you from the core of the heart that you came and inaugurated the tunnel,” he said.
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