Srinagar, Sep 26 (Reporter) National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday blamed the central government for the low voter turnout in Srinagar during the second phase of the Assembly election held on Wednesday. Srinagar district voter turnout reached 29.81 percent, while Ganderbal and Budgam districts recorded 62.51 and 62.98 percent, respectively on Wednesday. These figures indicate a slight increase in Srinagar's turnout compared to the 2014 Assembly elections. However, both Ganderbal and Budgam witnessed a significant decline. In the 2014 elections, Srinagar's eight constituencies averaged a turnout of 27.77 percent, whereas Ganderbal and Budgam saw 73.11 and 67.21 percent polling, respectively. “…I was expecting higher turnout because there was no boycott call, there were no attacks, there were no threats or intimidation of the voters. I feel the Centre is somehow responsible for this. They tried to present the high voter turnout as sign of normalcy and as if the people had accepted the revocation of (Article) 370. Maybe this was a reaction from Srinagar because people of Srinagar do not want to send wrong signals," Omar told media persons in north Kashmir’s border town of Uri while campaigning for the party candidate. Omar also linked the low voter turnout in Srinagar to the visit of diplomats from 16 countries, including the US. “The central government committed yet another mistake by inviting foreign diplomats to Kashmir to witness the election process, just to show them that Srinagar is witnessing the change”, Omar said and added “The people of Srinagar did not want to use themselves in this manner and that may have resulted in low voter turnout”. About the third phase of polls being held on October 1, in three border districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora in Kashmir, Omar said traditionally these areas have enthusiastically participated in the polling in the past elections. “I am hopeful that the people will come out to vote this time as well. I would be a little selfish and hope that they vote for the National Conference and wherever NC has not fielded a candidate, they should vote for Congress," he added...////...