Omar Abdullah targets PDP, PC; says those who empowered BJP now questioning my intent
Omar Denounces Opposition Attacks in His Absence, Calls Tulip Garden Photos a 'Chance Meeting'
Jammu, April 9 – Taking a veiled swipe at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Peoples Conference (PC), Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday accused both parties of hypocrisy and political opportunism, asserting that those who once paved the way for the BJP’s influence in Jammu and Kashmir are now attempting to shift the blame onto him.
Speaking to media persons outside the Legislature complex shortly after the Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die, Omar addressed the uproar that unfolded over the past three days inside the House surrounding the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Act. His remarks followed sharp criticisms made against him by some legislators in his absence.
Without naming specific individuals, Omar referred to what he called “unpleasant and baseless allegations” leveled against him by leaders who themselves had been complicit in empowering the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir. “Those who shared political space with the BJP, who once claimed they would distribute milk and toffees in Kashmir, and who deceived the youth by handing out cricket bats and coercing them into attending the rally of the then Union Home Minister — these are the same people now pointing fingers at me,” Omar said.
The Chief Minister lamented that the legislative platform had been misused to target him when he was not present to respond, and criticized what he called selective amnesia and political grandstanding by the opposition. “It is ironic that those who facilitated the BJP’s entry into the region and have yet to express remorse for the 2016 civilian killings are the ones questioning my integrity,” he stated.
Commenting on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Omar said that the House should have served as a forum for all legislators, especially those representing the only Muslim-majority state in the country, to voice the collective concerns and sentiments of the people. “Unfortunately, many members were denied that opportunity. Our party president or spokesperson will shortly announce the National Conference’s official position and the way forward regarding the Act,” he added.
In response to opposition barbs over his widely-circulated photographs at the Tulip Garden with a Union Minister, Omar clarified that it was merely a “chance meeting” and not a planned engagement, dismissing attempts to politicize the encounter.
Later in the day, National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, flanked by all party legislators, held a brief press conference outside the legislature complex. He categorically stated that the NC strongly opposes the Waqf (Amendment) Act and is preparing to challenge its constitutional validity in court. “This Act undermines the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We will fight it legally and politically,” Sadiq declared.
