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| Rahul breaks jinx, visits Maisuma, causes stir in NC | | | Abdul Majid
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Aug 30: Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah could be boasting to be "true friend and natural ally" of Rahul Gandhi, but latter's recent visit to Srinagar has unnerved the National Conference, for his historic appearance in restive Maisuma here, in the heart of the summer capital.
Rahul's visit has left National Conference apparently so insecure and jealous that senior party leaders have started lobbying to undertake similar initiatives in the City where Omar is rarely seen interacting with the people.
Considered a hotbed of Azadi sentiment and stronghold of separatist leader Muhammad Yasin Malik, Maisuma, has often been a "forbidden" territory for the mainstream leaders.
Since the eruption of militancy in Kashmir in '90s rarely any mainstream politician has ventured into the locality at a stone's throw from Lal Chowk. And those exceptions who tried their luck were greeted with brickbats in the locality considered an `epicenter' of stone pelting. For over two decades this locality has been leading poll boycott.
But Rahul brought a change on August 28 during his 2-day Kashmir visit. While leaving for Airport to fly back to New Delhi, the Congress leader went for a U-turn near Jehangir Chowk only to visit Maisuma.
After emerging out of his fortified cavalcade, Rahul interacted with people in the locality and even relished a cup of tea, from a nearby tea stall. Rahul, who was flanked by party colleagues including GA Mir and Irfan Naqib, enjoyed the tea so much that he asked for traditional cookies from the Chai Wala.
Thereafter, Gandhi strolled in the area and also purchased Nadur Munjis, traditional Kashmiri Pakodas for Rs 200 for his sister Priyanka.
Political analysts said the visit remained historic as there was no resistance from any quarters. "Though we had tried to convince Rahul Ji to remain away from this volatile area, he said someone needs to make a beginning to break the jinx. And finally his visit provided the much needed breakthrough," said a senior party leader who accompanied Rahul.
Sources said the National Conference regretted its failure to visit the area.
Some of the leaders have blamed Omar for 'wasting his time' on un-necessary tweets'.
"We have conveyed it to Dr Farooq that Omar needs to shun his attitude and concentrate on party affairs," said a senior NC leader.
"Given the government failure to provide compensation to the flood victims, the NC could have improved people to people contact in Srinagar, but because of Omar's arrogance and inexperience we have been missing to catch every bus," the leader said.
He said party leadership has "indirectly" asked Omar Abdullah to start a similar campaign in Srinagar. "We will make him (Omar) visit all areas of Srinagar because otherwise others will continue to take lead. Today it was Rahul, tomorrow it could be some other non local," said an NC leader.
"Rahul Gandhi has done what people like us couldn't do since '90s. It's a shame for us," said the NC leader pleading anonymity. Despite repeated attempts Omar Abdullah could not be contacted for comments. |
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