Srinagar: With Jammu and Kashmir engrossed in a massive rescue and relief operation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the last thing on his mind at the moment was holding of assembly elections in the state where the term of the house ends on January 19.
“I could not care less about elections. I have no time to think about elections at this moment. I have no inclination at this point of time. My only inclination is to ensure rescue, relief, rehabilitation, restoration and peace,” he told PTI in an interview.
The State Chief Minister said, “Elections are not my problem. Those who have to decide can decide. Once they decide, I will decide what to do. But at this point of time, I could not care less.”
The Election Commission had yesterday said it was watching “very closely” the situation in the flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir and decision on conducting assembly polls will be taken after things come to some shape there.
“We are watching the situation very closely. After things come to some shape, we will find out (and) depending upon the situation, a decision will be taken,” Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath had told reporters. The term of the 87-member J-K assembly ends on January 19 next year.
Flood triggered by heavy rain in Jammu and Kashmir has claimed around lives so far and left thousands homeless. It has also caused extensive damage to road, rail and telecommunication infrastructure in the state.
