Srinagar, Oct 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said he was “forced” to contest the Assembly elections from two constituencies—Budgam and Ganderbal—and never intended to do so.Speaking to reporters at Budgam after accompanying National Conference (NC) candidate Aga Syed Mahmood during the filing of nomination papers for the Budgam Assembly bypolls, Omar said he had not deceived the people of Budgam and had ensured that development continued in the constituency.“I have never kept the people of Budgam in deception. I was compelled to contest from two constituencies, which I did not want to. Even after vacating the seat, I did not abandon the area. We made sure that developmental works continued at a faster pace,” Omar said.
He added that with the start of the campaign, the party would highlight the works undertaken in Budgam over the past year.
“There is hope that the people of Budgam will make Aga Syed Mahmood successful. The entire party stands firmly behind him,” he said.
Omar said that the party was confident of victory in Budgam. “We will appeal to the voters and are confident that Aga Mahmood will win with a clear majority to represent Budgam in the Assembly.”
On the delay in announcing the NC candidate for Budgam, Omar clarified that there was “no confusion” over the name.
“We were waiting for others to make their move. All candidates filed nominations today. His name was already decided, but we went with a strategic approach,” he said.
Asked whether Aga Ruhullah would join the campaign, Omar replied that Aga Mahmood had already said Ruhullah was like his son and hoped he would extend his support.
The CM also said the NC had offered the Nagrota seat to the Congress despite having won it in 2014.
“The Congress refused, so we fielded our candidate. Now Shamim Begum will contest, and we are hopeful of victory on both seats,” he added.
