Clarify stand on backing BJP, Omar tells Rashid

Former Chief Minister and National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah on Friday asked Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief Engineer Rashid to clarify whether his party would support the BJP, if needed, after the polls are over in J&K.

Omar also accepted the challenge of Rashid to accompany him to Tihar Jail in New Delhi.

“Yesterday, at a seminar, when Rashid was asked whether he would support the BJP after the elections, he remained silent,” Omar told reporters on Friday in South Kashmir.

“Why does he not say categorically that he will not support the BJP in any manner after the elections,” Omar said. He also said he was ready to accompany him to Tihar, but Rashid should leave the field and sit at home.

“Engineer Rashid probably stated yesterday that if I am ready to go back to Delhi with him, he will leave the field in our favour. Today, I am saying that the day he has to go back to Tihar Jail, I will go with him to drop him there. He should leave the field and sit at home,” Omar said.

Rashid, during a live social media interaction, had reportedly stated that he would withdraw his candidates, if Omar would accompany him to Tihar Jail. Omar on Friday also said the NC hasn’t left any issue in the manifesto.