Congratulating PDP, BJP and NDA, Omar said, “Those who wanted to wish away Modi factor in the elections had a rude awakening.” He admitted that Modi was an important factor in this year's Lok Sabha polls but his performance in Parliament and governance has to be seen.
“Those of us who very conveniently sort of wished away the Modi factor in this election have had a rude awakening. Clearly, most observers underestimated the impact he would have on this election. Now what impact he has on Parliament (and) governance, particularly with regard to Jammu and Kashmir, we will have to wait and see,” he said.
He said the verdict will have far reaching consequences in the country. It will be for the first time since 1984 that the country can have what could be a one-party government.
Asked if he had thought about stepping down as Chief Minister in view of the election results in the state, Omar said, “This is parliamentary election. This is not an Assembly election. I have accepted the responsibility for the performance of the alliance in the state in this election.”
“Beyond that should I continue or not is a question that I am still grappling with. It is not something that has clear cut answers. I also need to recognize that it is the decision that my party and the allies have to take. I am taking responsibility and I am not shying away from it. It is my defeat more than anybody else's,” he said.
