Srinagar, Aug 31 (KNO): National Conference (NC) candidate, Hilal Akbar Lone on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately trying to weaken the NC and preventing its Vice President Omar Abdullah from becoming the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir.
During his election campaign speech at Sumbal, Sonawari in Bandipora, Lone, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “The BJP does not want Omar Abdullah to lead because he refuses to follow their directives.”
“This is the same BJP that has harassed people across India on various aspects, and we cannot align with such a party. The National Conference is against the BJP, not against the country. It's time to change the scenario, and we should give a befitting reply to them and their allied parties by electing local representatives,” he added.
Lone also accused the BJP-led government of treating the region unfairly and denying it control over its resources due to the absence of local representation. “This situation would have been different if Jammu & Kashmir had its own elected representatives and the authority to create its own laws,” he said.
Highlighting the developmental work done in the Sonawari constituency, Hilal praised his father, Mohammad Akbar Lone, for his efforts in transforming the area. He said that before 2002, Sonawari lacked essential infrastructure such as schools, roads and electricity, but his father’s “dedication brought improvements” to the region, including educational institutions and roads in areas like Hajin, Sumbal and Safapora.
Hilal Akbar Lone is contesting for the first time. His father, Mohammad Akbar Lone, had previously won the Sonawari constituency in assembly elections and also served as a Member of Parliament from north Kashmir—(KNO)