Omar Abdullah Slams J&K Administration Over TV Show Shoot in Assembly Complex: Labels It an ‘Absolute Shame’

Srinagar, 12-01-2024: National Conference vice-president, Omar Abdullah, strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday for permitting the shooting of a Hindi-language TV series, “Maharani,” within the legislative assembly complex. Starring Huma Qureshi, the show, inspired by the political events in Bihar during the 1990s, used the iconic assembly space in Jammu for its production in June of the previous year. Expressing his dismay, Abdullah labeled the incident as an “absolute shame,” emphasizing the irony of the assembly, once a venue for elected representatives addressing crucial matters, now serving as a backdrop for television dramas.

In a social media post, the former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir lamented the transformation of the assembly, symbolizing democracy, into a setting for entertainment. He further criticized the BJP-led government in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that it had diminished the sanctity of a space where governance and legislation once took place.

Abdullah went on to highlight the surreal nature of the situation, pointing out the use of his former office by actors portraying fictional political figures. He exclaimed, “What an absolute shame!!!!” in reference to the spectacle of a fictional Chief Minister emerging from an office he had occupied for six years during his tenure.

The context surrounding the assembly complex was provided, with the dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly by the Governor on December 20, 2018. The Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government faced a crisis in June 2018, leading to its minority status following the withdrawal of support by the 25-member BJP. The assembly remained in suspended animation until December 19, 2018, before being placed under the Governor’s rule due to the political turmoil in the region.