Politicians aren't worried about candles, care for votes: Omar

“Politicians are not worried about candles, they are far worried about your votes,” said Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah.

Addressing a “young changemakers conclave”, organised under the aegis of the UN Information Centre here, the 42-year-old CM made some candid comments about candlelight vigils by protesters at India Gate and Jantar Mantar here and across the country against the Delhi gang rape incident.

“Like it or not but politicians really aren’t worried about candles. They really aren’t, I wish they were but they are not. They are far more worried about how you vote,” Omar said while addressing a “young changemakers conclave”.

The National Conference leader said politicians generally tend to believe that public protest will die at some point of time, but if the general public is serious enough “it is impossible for politicians to ignore voices”.

Omar said greater participation of youth can usher in change. “If you come out and make yourselves heard you will not be ignored. You will be able to drive the change that you want to see. But you don't.

Then don't blame us for ignoring you because like it or not politicians will listen to voices that reach them,” he said. “If you remain silent or if you go along with things just because others do it then you won't be heard. Then you will not be a part of solution.”

He said the present generation will vote for someone who performs. “I think your generation is one which will rise above other considerations. You won't vote because you like the religion, caste of a candidate.”