Going abroad is no crime, even the prime minister does it: Omar Abdullah defends Rahul Gandhi
Travel and dialogue not anti national, says J&K CM amid row over Rahul Gandhi’s Germany visit
Katra/Jammu, Dec 20: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday strongly defended Congress leader Rahul Gandhi amid allegations by the BJP that his foreign engagements amounted to meeting so-called anti-India forces, asserting that travelling abroad was neither a crime nor an act against national interest. Abdullah said such accusations reflected a misplaced understanding of democratic engagement in a globalized world.
Reacting to the BJP’s criticism, the Chief Minister questioned the logic of equating overseas travel or interaction with international academics and institutions with disloyalty to the nation. He remarked that leaders across the political spectrum routinely travel abroad, participate in discussions and engage with global platforms, including those currently in power. Opposition leaders, he said, enjoy the same freedom and responsibility to represent their views internationally.
“When has Rahul Gandhi met any anti Indian personality? Is it a crime to go abroad? He is free to go anywhere and talk to anyone. Everyone does it. The prime minister does it. All ministers do it. Why should BJP people object?” Abdullah said while speaking to reporters after arriving in Katra aboard the Vande Bharat train from Srinagar.
His remarks came in response to statements made by BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, who accused Gandhi of meeting “enemies of India” during a recent visit to Germany. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, Bhatia displayed a photograph of Gandhi with Berlin based academic Cornelia Woll and alleged that the interaction was evidence of engagement with anti India elements. He further claimed that Woll is associated with institutions linked to funding by US based philanthropist George Soros.
Abdullah dismissed the controversy, stating that interaction with scholars, universities and international forums is a routine aspect of political and public life and cannot be selectively portrayed as unpatriotic. He cautioned against politicising international engagement and said such narratives only weaken democratic discourse.
Beyond the political debate, the Chief Minister also expressed concern over the prolonged dry spell being witnessed across the Union Territory since November. He said the lack of rainfall and snowfall has begun affecting water availability and air quality in both the Jammu and Kashmir regions.
“We are waiting impatiently for snow. It has been dry since November and we are seeing some shortage of water everywhere. Pollution levels have also increased. Whether it is rain or snow, the air will become cleaner,” he said, adding that snowfall remains crucial for triggering the winter tourism season.
Abdullah said popular tourist destinations such as Patnitop and Bhaderwah in Jammu and Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg in Kashmir are expected to witness renewed activity once snowfall begins. Expressing hope for an early change in weather, he said winter tourism plays a vital role in the region’s economy and livelihoods. “We hope tourists come and enjoy the beauty of the snow,” he added.
