Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sharply criticized the Congress party for its inconsistent stance on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), highlighting the hypocrisy in its objections. Speaking in an interview with PTI, Abdullah stated, “When you can get more than 100 MPs using the same EVMs and celebrate the win, then you cannot question the machine just because the results didn’t come into your favour.”
Omar Abdullah responded to allegations that his comments mirrored those of a BJP spokesperson, saying, “God forbid!” He clarified, however, that his views were rooted in principles, not partisanship, citing his support for projects like the Central Vista as evidence of his independent thinking.
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The Chief Minister emphasized that parties questioning the EVMs after an unfavorable outcome should maintain a consistent position. He criticized Congress for raising concerns only after defeats in states like Maharashtra and Haryana. “One day voters chose you, the other day they didn’t. Machines will remain the same,” Abdullah asserted, underscoring the importance of respecting voters’ sentiments. He also recalled his own experience, pointing out that despite his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, he did not blame the machines when his party secured a majority in the September assembly polls.
Abdullah’s comments reflect growing tensions between his party, the National Conference, and its alliance partner Congress. Despite both parties campaigning together in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Abdullah expressed dissatisfaction with Congress’s performance and alleged that Congress left much of the campaigning to the National Conference. While the National Conference secured 42 seats in the 90-member assembly, Congress managed only six. This friction highlights the fragile nature of their partnership.
Finally, Abdullah called for broader electoral reforms, urging opposition parties to focus on larger systemic changes rather than selectively targeting EVMs.