Omar downplays PM Modi's criticism, says NC has won hearts of people

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday avoided commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that the state government was involved in corruption, saying massive support for his party was a proof of the fact that it has won the hearts of the people.

"Had we actually been corrupt, would people give us so much support? The people would have thrown me out. But, you can see the love for the people, they are not letting me go. It is a proof of the fact that we have won the hearts of the people," he told media here.

Launching a frontal attack on the ruling National Conference and the People's Democratic Party, Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day appealed to the voters of Jammu and Kashmir to end dynastic politics in the state.

"These two families have an understanding. One will rule for five years, then the other comes. There is a five-year contract to loot. If you don't punish the two families ruling here, they will come back with renewed resurgence," he said at an election rally in Kishtwar.

Prime Minister Modi, who was campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in poll-bound Jammu and Kashmir, also charged the Omar Abdullah-led government of swindling the money that was meant for the relief of the flood victims.

"When I declared Rs 1,000 crore for relief work after floods here, the government here was surprised. There has never been shortage of funds. If there is a hole in the bucket then the water will not stay. I wonder where the funds allocated by the Centre are," said Prime Minister Modi.

"For the present government, the flood disaster was an opportunity to loot. There is massive corruption here. We want a government free from corruption. It's time to bring the change, provide young generation a secure future," he added.

The BJP is banking heavily on Prime Minister Modi's aggressive campaigning in its bid to achieve the 'Mission 44+' target required in an assembly of 87 seats.

The Jammu and Kashmir polls will be held in five phases beginning on November 25. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.