Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken a strong stand against the Congress party’s objections to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Abdullah pointed out the inconsistency in Congress’s approach and mentioned that the parties cannot celebrate the win when EVMs favour them and blame the same machines for their loss. In an interview with PTI, Abdullah remarked, ‘’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.’’
Reacting to the comment that he is talking like a BJP spokesperson, Abdullah responded, ‘’God forbid!’’ However, he later clarified that opinion is based on its principles rather than partisanship. He also gave examples of supporting projects like Central Vista as validation for his independent thinking.
Abdullah underlined that if a party has any doubt related to EVMs, it should hold a stable position. He criticized the Congress for only raising concern regarding the EVMs after securing unfavorable results, such as their defeat in the Maharashtra and Haryana assembly elections. Responding to Congress’s demand to return to paper ballots, he stated that it indicates priorities are misplaced.
‘’One day voters chose you, the other day they didn’t. Machines will remain the same,’ ’Abdullah said and highlighted the significance of respecting the sentiments of voters. He cited his journey for instance when he faced defeat in the Lok Sabha polls and later secured a majority in September assembly elections. ‘’I never blamed the machines, ‘’he added.
Abdullah’s reaction also reflected underlying tension in the National Conference-Congress tie-up. The two parties fought together during the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections; Abdullah indicated that he was not satisfied with the performance of Congress during the campaign. On the other hand, National Conference leaders have privately mentioned that Congress has left most of the campaigning task to them.
Despite facing these challenges, the National Conference managed to bag 42 seats in the 90-member assembly while Congress won just six seats. Abdullah’s criticism of Congress’s opinion on EVMs further highlights the fragile nature of their partnership. Jammu and Kashmir CM also urged the opposition parties to aim for larger electoral reforms.
(With inputs from PTI)