Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday clearly distanced the opposition INDIA bloc from the Congress party’s campaign, alleging “vote chori” (vote theft), stating that the alliance has no connection with the issue raised by the Congress. 

Abdullah’s remarks came a day after senior Congress leaders launched a strong attack on the BJP and the Election Commission at a rally titled ‘Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod’ held in New Delhi. At the rally, Congress leaders alleged that “vote chori” was part of the ruling party’s DNA and accused BJP leaders and election commissioners of being “gaddar” (traitors) who were conspiring to take away people’s voting rights. 

The National Conference (NC), led by Omar Abdullah, is a constituent of the INDIA bloc, in which the Congress is the largest party in terms of opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha. Responding to questions on the Congress’s campaign and allegations of electoral irregularities, Abdullah made it clear that each party within the alliance is free to decide its own political agenda. “The INDIA bloc has got nothing to do with it. Every political party is at liberty to set its own agenda. The Congress has made ‘vote chori’ and SIR as its main issues. Who are we to tell them otherwise?” Abdullah said. 

The Congress has claimed that it has collected around six crore signatures across the country against the alleged “vote theft” and plans to submit them to the President of India. 

During the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise carried out during the Bihar elections, Omar Abdullah had earlier stated that people in the state were unhappy with the Election Commission. He had claimed that the people of Bihar were “dissatisfied” over allegations of vote theft during the process. 

Abdullah said the Election Commission must uphold its credibility and independence. “There are concerns regarding the special dispensation that was created for Bihar, and how useful it will be for the ruling alliance will be shown when the results come out,” he said. 

He further added, “It has left the people of Bihar very dissatisfied with the conduct of the Election Commission. We have always taken pride in the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission. I think the Election Commission must hold true to those ideals.” 

After the Bihar assembly election results were declared, in which the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan suffered a major defeat, Abdullah said the outcome was more surprising for him than his party’s loss in the Budgam by-poll. He credited Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for managing to convert anti-incumbency into pro-incumbency. “It is good for other states to see what Nitish Kumar ji did for voters. He set caste politics aside and focused on women, introducing schemes that helped him politically also,” Abdullah said. He also remarked that the Congress’ aggressive 'vote chori” campaign made coordination within the INDIA bloc more difficult. “Congress, emboldened by its ‘vote chori’ campaign, made seat-sharing among the INDIA bloc partners more difficult,” he said. 

Separately, Omar Abdullah raised concerns over political interference in institutions, stressing that such practices should not be tolerated. Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Abdullah reacted to reports of alleged interference by a BJP MLA in the functioning and staff engagement of a power project. “Political interference in institutions should not be tolerated and needs to be dealt with seriously,” he said. He described political meddling in public institutions as “unfortunate” and “worrisome.” 

“Political meddling in the functioning of corporations and departments is unfortunate and worrisome. Political interference should not happen. Such matters must be viewed with seriousness,” Abdullah stated. He further alleged that accountability mechanisms had weakened over time. “Earlier, these institutions were accountable to an elected government, but now decisions are being taken without that system in place,” he said. 

While Omar Abdullah maintained his concerns about the functioning and independence of institutions like the Election Commission, he made it clear that the Congress’s “vote chori” campaign is not an INDIA bloc position. His comments underline growing differences within the opposition alliance over strategy, messaging, and coordination ahead of key political battles.