Wednesday 13th May, 2026
Srinagar, Mar 11: (UNI) Raising serious question over the timing and execution of the Balakot air strike, former chief minister and National Conference (NC) president said this was done as elections were approaching.
He questioned the decision not to hold Assembly elections alongwith Lok Sabha polls in the state and said all parties were in favour of simultaneous polls.
Dr Abdullah, MP, from Srinagar Parliamentary constituency in the present House, said the timing and execution of the Balakote air strike after Pulwama fidayeen attack that left 44 CRPF personnel dead on February 14, raises serious questions.
He said people always knew that there would be a fight or skirmish with our neighbor Pakistan. However, he said the surgical strike was done as elections are approaching. We lost an aircraft worth crores of rupees, Dr Abdullah said adding thankfully that the pilot of Indian Air Force (IAF) survived and returned back to home from Pakistan with respect.
He said all political parties in the state were in favour of holding simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and Assembly. How is it that environment for Lok Sabha polls are conducive but not for Assembly polls in the state, he questioned. Dr Abdullah said local body polls were held peacefully and now there are enough forces present then why state elections cannot be held.
However, the NC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted Panchayat and Municipal elections in the state.