Congress rejects BJP’s demand to replace Omar Abdullah
By IANSMonday, September 13, 2010
NEW DELHI - The Congress Monday rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party’s demand to replace Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his “unpopularity”.
“It is for the NC (National Conference) to decide who is the chief minister. It is Omar Abdullah. We are with him,” Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said while responding to the questions about the BJP’s demand for Omar Abdullah’s replacement.
Congress leaders said privately that though the party had more expectations from the chief minister in terms of governance and keeping law and order in control, replacing him was not an option for the present.
They said that New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah, who was the only possible alternative to Omar Abdullah, was not keen to replace his son.
The Congress leaders said that the party was not looking at the possibility of government formation with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). They said that third option of president’s rule was not advisable as it can lead to the sepratists venting out their anger on the central government directly.
They said that the protestors in the Kashmir Valley were being guided by elements from across the border.
Eighty-six people have been killed in the violent protests in the Valley since June 11.
