More amazingly in this particular move , Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave a rather heated speech in praise of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the commissioning of the Sonamarg Tunnel on Monday. The opposition INDIA bloc which houses the Congress party has furrowed their brows at Abdullah ousting Modi on leadership and commitment to the growth of Jammu and Kashmir and especially his assertion that the recent assembly election were fair.
The Congress has been quite sharp in its political attack on the BJP and has often accused it of meddling with the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and has demanded a return to the ballot paper system. According to Abdullah, the credibility and openness of the J&K elections under Modi may fuel rivalry between the NC and Congress, which partnered during the state elections.
Auspices for Modi’s Pledge
Responding to Modi’s International Yoga Day promise of bringing both the distance from Delhi and the distance from the heart closer, Abdullah appreciated the Prime Minister for being regular with the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Within 15 days, this is the second programme connected to Jammu and Kashmir.” Earlier, you have launched a rail division for Jammu and now you have come to Sonamarg for this tunnel opening. Such initiatives not only help fill the geographical gap but also, to a certain extent, minimize the emotional gap as well,” Abdullah added.
The Chief Minister also thanked Modi for fulfilling a commitment on conducting the elections in the area. They accused you of misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir whom you said that you will allow them to vote for their government through elections soon. You kept within four months which I think is commendable, and we had elections that were conducted,” said Abdullah.
Emphasising on the fairness of electoral process, he further said, “In this election, people participated in large numbers and no body cried foul over rigging and use of muscle power. No polling booth needed re-polling at all. The credit of this bold decision goes to you, your team and the Election Commission of India (EC).
Calls for the Reestablishment of Statehood
On the issue of the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah also spoke. With positivity, he said, “I strongly hope that the Prime Minister will soon realize the third pledge made on Yoga Day. Jammu and Kashmir will once again come back to this country and again be a state.”
This comment has regained hope many residents of Jammu and Kashmir who have been demanding the restoration of statehood since its division and demotion to UT in August 2019.
The Sonamarg Tunnel: A Critical Milestone
It may be recalled that Sonamarg Tunnel was constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore with the strategic purpose and social importance to provide through tunnel connectivity from Srinagar to Sonamarg in winter and snowbound areas. It avoids areas having landslides frequenting aspects, improving connectivity to the more important Ladakh axis. Sited at an altitude of over 8,650 feet, the project comprises of a main tunnel of 6.4 km, egress tunnel and approach road, hence being acclaimed as a connector par excellence in enhancing connectivity in the region.
The construction of the tunnel is expected to improve tourism boost trade and act as a lifeline to residents and the military in the area.
A Diplomatic and Political Ripple
In his final statement, Abdullah thanked Modi and said, “Prime Minster, even the weather seemed to bless you today.” It was clear that there were no clouds in the sky at all during the day. Lest you forget, it is winter outside but I assure you, there is warmth inside of us.”
Abdullah’s unqualified endorsement of Modi and the EC is in complete pitch darkness to the so-called Congress narrative of EVM fraud and abuse of authority in elections. His comments are likely to further open new wounds within the INDIA bloc, an emerging and fragile coalition that has grown increasingly polarized because some parties would like Mamata Banerjee to play a more commanding role over the Congress.
This public acceptance of Modi as the Prime Minister and free & fair elections constitute a HUGE political development; not to ignore the shifting internal politics of the opposition alliance and the politics of dealing with the accession state of Jammu and Kashmir.
