BJP, Narendra Modi nurture ideology of communal divide: Omar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah came down heavily on BJP Prime Ministerial nominee Narendra Modi and accused the saffron party of polarising the society to nurture their "ideology of communal divide".
"These Lok Sabha elections have placed India on a crucial crossroad where the people of the country have to decide between two ideologies of communal divide, represented by BJP and Narendra Modi, and the inclusiveness and harmony, symbolised by Rahul Gandhi," Omar, who is also the working president of National Conference, told a rally at Ramsoo.
Heaping praise at his ally and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Omar said every vote in favour of NC-Congress candidates in the State will strengthen the roots of communal amity, brotherhood and ensure equal opportunities of growth and development for all sections of the society, irrespective of religion, region or caste.

"Rahul Gandhi symbolises the unity and brotherhood of India and is champion of inclusiveness and communal harmony. He possesses unblemished characteristic and is true friend of the country and its people," he said.
Taking a dig at BJP, Omar claimed they are "bent upon wedging apart the people and divide them to grab power".
He criticised Modi for allegedly failing to apologise or even express regret for 2002 Gujarat riots and said he is not suitable to become Prime Minister of a country like India, which is the abode of pluralistic ethos.

The Chief Minister sought the people's support in favour of NC-Congress candidate from Udhampur-Doda parliamentary constituency, Ghulam Nabi Azad, describing him a real friend of the people and torchbearer of democratic credentials of the State and the country.

"In Rahul Gandhi, J&K has also found its sincere and trusty friend who has always came forward to help the State to come out of difficulties and he is determined to continue this trait," Omar said, adding that Rahul will be the right choice for Prime Minister of the country.
The Chief Minister also picked to pieces opposition PDP for fielding its candidates "to help Modi" and to exhibit its friendship and loyalty toward BJP.
Omar claimed the PDP has tactfully fielded candidates in Jammu-Poonch and Udhampur-Doda constituencies to divide votes and help communal forces, which unveils "the clandestine liaison and friendship between BJP and PDP".

"PDP leadership tried their best to browbeat Azad on this count and threatened to topple the government," he said adding that Azad did not succumbed to their pressure.
Omar claimed that PDP in the J&K acts as a State unit of BJP.
He said Azad's victory in the election will be the victory of common masses and that of the State as a whole.
"Azad is the right person to highlight the issues of J&K and help the people particularly living in backward pockets for development and socio-economic welfare," Omar added.