The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the flood-hit areas would record low turn-out in upcoming Assembly polls which are likely to be announced this week.Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, the Chief Minister in a reply to a question said: “I have no doubt that flood affected areas would show very poor turn-out in these elections.”“Look when shops are empty, when houses are either collapsed or nearing collapse. If my house had collapsed do you think I will go out and vote,” Omar asked, adding: “I would be more interested in rebuilding my house.”
He said people are more interested in rebuilding their houses rather than democratic process.“Priorities are priorities let’s be honest,” he said, adding the turn-out in Srinagar at the best times shows very low turn-out in the polls.The Chief Minister said he is hopeful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting Kashmir tomorrow, would announce package for flood affected people. “We have submitted a 44000 crore package and we are hopeful it would be approved,” he said.Earlier, Omar said if Election Commission would announce polls day after tomorrow, it would be last his last official function. “Due to Prime Minister’s scheduled visit, it became possible for me to come here otherwise it was likely that polls might have been announced. But, I am satisfied that I spent the time with the people of Tosa Maidan and army,” he said. (GNS)