Bihar results is a wake-up call for Centre: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: The Bihar Assembly election results was a "wakeup call" for the Centre, former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday, while expressing doubts whether the BJP-led NDA government would change its functioning after the drubbing it got.

"This (Bihar election results) is not just a reply to divisive or communal forces, but a wake up call for the central government as well as their policies," he told reporters at Anantnag.

The leader, who was at Anantnag in south Kashmir, for the National Conference (NC)'s workers convention, noted that the people want "real change" and are not impressed by the Prime Minister's functioning.

"The way the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) himself ran the campaign of the BJP and addressed more than 30 public rallies, the way BJP president (Amit Shah) stay put in Bihar, the money that they spent, the number of Central ministers who campaigned in Bihar... Their programmes and their way of functioning is not liked by the people and people want a change in the real sense," he said.

Omar, however expressed his doubts about the NDA government changing its functioning for the better in the aftermath of Bihar election results.

"I have doubts that neither will these divisive forces change their work, nor is the central government ready to change or better its functioning," he said.

The National Conference working president said the Bihar results, which gave almost a three-fourth majority to the Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance, was a befitting reply to communal and divisive forces.

Speaking on the death of a youth in alleged security

forces action at Zainakote here on November 8, the day the Prime Minister announced Rs 80,000 crore financial package for the state, Omar called for introspection by the government regarding the reasons behind the occurrence of such events.

"The death of any youth in this manner is regrettable for all of us. However, much we condemn it, will be less. The present government will have to focus on as to why it is happening. The people, who came out, did not come out for any package," he said.

The NC leader also stressed on the need for addressing Kashmir issue politically.

"The basic issue of Jammu and Kashmir is a political one. Till the time you address the issue politically, such protests will take place. And unfortunately, what we wanted to hear from the Prime Minister in Srinagar, we did not. I have this fear that instead of the situation getting any better, I see it worsening," he said.

Addressing the party workers earlier today, Omar said the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir - the country's only Muslim-majority state - felt "insecure and threatened" because of the PDP-BJP alliance and the platform given by the BJP to RSS in the state.

"While the youth of Kashmir are robbed of the right to even criticize the BJP and RSS without being hounded and arrested, RSS is allowed to march with guns and swords on the streets of Jammu. What could be a more damning indictment of this government and that of Chief Minister (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed)?" he said.