National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Monday accused the People’s Democratic Party candidate from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency of helping the BJP repeal Article 370.
Addressing a public rally in Zachaldara Handwara of north Kashmir's Kupwara, Abdullah said the PDP candidate did not vote against the repeal of Article 370 in the Rajya Sabha.
"The PDP must explain to the people why its candidate did not speak out for Jammu and Kashmir when Article 370 was about to be repealed,” he said.
Urging people to question the candidate with the inkpot (symbol) running against him, Abdullah asked where he was when Article 370 was put to vote in the Rajya Sabha where the BJP did not have a majority.
"He was missing. He did not vote against the repeal of Article 370," the NC leader Omar Abdullah said.
Article 370 is one of the main issues in the Lok Sabha election 2024 campaign, with the BJP-led NDA alliance seeking a third term citing its abrogation as a major success.
Conversely, in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s elections, NC is seeking votes as the party fighting those who de-operationalised Article 370.
The absence of a PDP candidate aided the current regime in New Delhi in nullifying Article 370, changing Jammu and Kashmir's special status to that of union territories.
In his comments, the former Chief Minister encouraged the people of North Kashmir to realise their responsibility and utilise their political rights to ensure that such elements do not approach Parliament again.
Omar is also contesting from Baramulla, which is scheduled to vote in the fifth phase on May 20.