Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Sep 23
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday called for “corrective action” over questions surrounding the functioning of the Election Commission, warning that any erosion of public confidence in elections would undermine democracy.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ALOHA National Level Competition-2026 at SKICC, Omar said an Indian Express investigation into decisions related to electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision had raised “a lot of questions”.
He said reported differences within the Election Commission “clearly” suggested that “there is something wrong”.
“The statement subsequently issued by the Election Commission made the matter even more damning. There is a need to take some corrective action. Otherwise, if people lose confidence in elections, then what is left of a democracy? The foundation of a democracy is elections,” he said.
Omar said concerns over the functioning of the poll panel had existed for some time, citing the earlier delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We believed that the process was opaque, flawed, and the entire process was designed to benefit one political party and its friends,” he said.
He also questioned the implications of preventing eligible voters from exercising their franchise.
“If you are stopping someone from voting, where it is their right to vote and they want to vote, the government and members of the Election Commission would have to consider what steps should be taken,” he said.
About Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of “vote chori”, Omar said preventing an eligible voter from voting would amount to an attack on constitutional rights.
“What Rahul said is absolutely right, and now we will have to see what steps will be taken,” he said.
On repeated disruptions in the J&K Legislative Assembly, Omar said such incidents were part of legislative proceedings but noted that BJP members had also participated in debates on bills and resolutions.
“Questions were being raised in the House, and answers were given as well. BJP members also participated in legislative business, including discussions on bills and resolutions,” he said.
More resolutions would be introduced, he said, adding that disruptions also drew media attention to the House.
“Your cameras will start working when there is noise,” Omar told reporters.
On removing books from colleges and libraries, Omar said he had his own views but that the elected government did not currently have the authority to decide such matters.
“I have my own views on whether books should be banned or not. But unfortunately, in the current system, we in the elected government do not decide these things,” he said.
He said the government would revisit the issue if circumstances changed.
Responding to BJP remarks on Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and his role in the freedom struggle, Omar said historical events should not be altered to suit contemporary political arguments.
“The sacrifices made in Kashmir, and the role of the National Conference during the freedom struggle cannot be erased from history,” he said.
Earlier, Omar praised the mental arithmetic skills displayed by students at the ALOHA competition and said the programme could be expanded to government schools.
