Shadow Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 26:
National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that he expected higher turnout in the assembly election.
“I was hoping for a little more turnout. Because there was no call from the boycott. There were no attacks. There was no attempt to suppress and threaten the voters,” Omar Abdullah said.
“But I think the central government is also partially responsible for this situation. They have tried to present high turnout as a sign of normalcy at different places,” he said.
On the diplomats visits to Jammu and Kashmir and Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said, “They brought the team of diplomats. They wanted to show that there was a big change in Srinagar. The people of Srinagar did not want to be used like this.”
On the voting turnout, he said, “I am thankful to all those who voted for me. Whether they have voted for the National Conference, NOTA or any other parties, I am thankful to them for voting.”
He further added that “The third phase of voting has the seats of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipur districts in the Kashmir valley, the have traditionally participated in the voting process and we expect high turnout.”
He expressed gratitude to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for participating in the election.
“The most difficult time of the year is when the votes have come from these areas. This time too, we hope that the voters will use their votes. Along with that, there is a little bit of selfishness, but I hope that the votes will be given in support the National Conference. And where there is no hope of the National Conference, the people will then definitely vote for Congress”.
The final phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled for October 1. The counting of votes for JK and Haryana assemblies will take place on October 8.
