Omar suggests Modi effect obvious on BJP cadre, says never underestimate the underdog
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday appeared to suggest that Narendra Modi has galvanised the BJP cadre though there was no guarantee that big meetings will translate into votes.
In a series of tweets, he took note of Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) spectacular debut, saying, "...never underestimate the underdog or newcomer with a fresh face and message."
Deriving lessons from the just concluded assembly polls in five states, Omar shared his observations on the micro-blogging site "Twitter" and said, "Note to self 2014 - there is no 'wave' but the effect on their cadre is obvious. Can't afford to underestimate this going ahead."
This tweet was in reference to BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and BJP without naming them. Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled for polls by end of 2014.
Stating that he was glued to TV and curiously watching the election results, he tweeted, "And perhaps last lesson for today - 2014 a divisive message won't work but you can't fight an election with a Gandhian campaign either."
Without mentioning UPA, he said last minute announcement of schemes also did not convert into votes. "Notes to self for 2014 - voters will see through crude attempts to buy support with last minute populist schemes".
Speaking about the political rallies, he said "...big public meetings don't always mean votes but poorly attended ones definitely indicate big trouble." The Chief Minister also hit out at the post-poll surveys for their wrong predictions and said "which was the post poll survey that gave AAP six seats? You need to sack your pollsters, they clearly stayed at home to fill questionnaires."
Omar Abdullah signed out of Twitter with a witty post: "I'm gonna sign off for the day now. If any of my tweets offended anyone remember my phone was stolen & the thief tweeted to embarrass me ;) (sic)".
He was, obviously, referring to the incident in which BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi recently tweeted the surname of the Tehelka sexual assault victim and later justified herself saying her phone was 'misused'.
