Omar Abdullah Echoes Amit Shah on Congress and EVMs

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Omar Abdullah dismissed Congress’s objections to EVMs.
2. Amit Shah had previously mocked Rahul Gandhi over EVM claims.
3. Abdullah’s and Shah’s views on EVMs appear to align.
4. Congress expressed displeasure with Abdullah’s stance and raised questions.
5. Abdullah faced accusations of cosying up to the BJP after becoming J&K Chief Minister.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Omar Abdullah Echoes Amit Shah on Congress and EVMs

Omar Abdullah dismissed the Congress’s allegations about the reliability of EVMs, causing a stir in political circles. In an interview, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that EVMs are fine when Congress wins elections, but they are deemed faulty when they lose. This statement came when he was asked if he sounded “like a BJP spokesman.” Omar Abdullah’s views closely mirrored those of Amit Shah, who had previously criticized Congress regarding EVMs.

Amit Shah also mocked Rahul Gandhi at an event, noting that when Congress wins 100 seats, the EVMs are fine, but when they lose, the EVMs are blamed. He compared it to “a bad workman blaming his tools.” Abdullah used the same logic to taunt the Congress, saying that EVMs “cannot be a problem only when you lose elections.”

Congress reacted angrily to Omar Abdullah’s statement. Congress MP Manickam Tagore attacked Abdullah, stating that his stance has changed after becoming Chief Minister. He pointed out that the Samajwadi Party, NCP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) have raised voices against EVMs. Congress also questioned why Abdullah was adopting such an attitude towards his allies after becoming Chief Minister.

The actions and statements of Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir have also drawn accusations that he is moving closer to the BJP. Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference chairman Sajjad Lone accused Abdullah of abandoning the fight for statehood restoration and surrendering to the BJP.

In October, the first J&K cabinet meeting did not pass any resolution against the Centre’s Article 370 move and focused solely on statehood restoration. Abdullah stated that it was foolish to expect restoration of Article 370. Abdullah’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon after the elections also became a subject of discussion. Abdullah also met several ministers of the central government, which strengthened the perception of his growing closeness with the BJP.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

Omar Abdullah took a stance different from Congress on the EVM issue, echoing Amit Shah’s views. Congress expressed displeasure with Abdullah’s position and accused him of being close to the BJP. There is a perceived shift in Abdullah’s policies after becoming Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah stated that EVMs can’t be an issue only when losing.

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