Wrapping up Baramulla campaign, Omar invokes Sheikh Abdullah, questions Art 370 scrapping if already ‘hollowed’

On the final day of his campaigning for the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency Saturday, the National Conference (NC)’s vice-president and candidate Omar Abdullah held road shows across Budgam district in Central Kashmir.

In Beerwah, Omar invoked his grandfather Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy, reminding those in attendance at his rally of how the party had ensured protection for “zameen, rozgar and waqar (land, jobs and dignity)” of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Referring to the land reforms undertaken by Sheikh Abdullah through the “land to tiller” policy, Omar said, “Those who ask us what we got from (Article) 370… the main difference between J&K and the rest of the country is that people here were given ownership of their own land. Now, the ownership of our land is in danger. These people who took away 370 are now attacking the political party that brought these guarantees and protected it.”

The roads across the district reflected the NC’s push, with hundreds of its workers carrying party flags bearing the plough symbol. The NC’s election slogan, “hal hi hal hai” (plough is the only solution), also seeks to project the role of the party leadership in representing the J&K people over the decades while making an appeal for the future.

Addressing crowds at Magam, Omar said, “I have come here again to ask for your votes. Last time I was here ten years ago and we were campaigning for Assembly elections. I had never imagined that in this election things would change beyond recognition in J&K. Our identity and dignity was snatched away from us and since that day we have been subjected to humiliation, distress and many other difficulties.”

The floor of Omar’s open top vehicle was covered with raw rice and candies showered upon him as