Opposition Slams Omar Abdullah for ‘Red Carpet Bonhomie’ with Kiren Rijiju Amid Waqf Law Controversy
Srinagar, April 7: A political storm has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s seemingly cordial meeting with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the scenic Tulip Garden in Srinagar, drawing severe criticism from opposition parties. The picturesque setting and public camaraderie, also involving National Conference (NC) patron Dr Farooq Abdullah, have been sharply condemned as a sign of surrender over the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill recently passed by Parliament.
The opposition, particularly the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Peoples’ Conference, have accused the National Conference of compromising the rights of the Muslim community by engaging in what they term as “Waqf law bonhomie” with the BJP leadership. They argue that while NC members theatrically oppose the legislation in the Assembly, their top leaders are indulging in photo-ops with the very minister who spearheaded the bill in Parliament.
Leading the charge, senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar remarked, “Waqf Law bonhomie! So soon. Not even a pretense of opposition anymore. While NC MLAs protest inside the Assembly, their leadership is out in the garden hosting the very man who introduced the bill.”
Echoing similar concerns, PDP MLA from Pulwama, Waheed Para, accused the National Conference of reducing the Muslim community of Jammu and Kashmir to mere background actors in what he described as the government’s political drama. “In Tamil Nadu, there is visible resistance to the Waqf Bill. Here in J&K, the NC is handing out red carpets and smiles. This is not representation; it is betrayal,” Para said in a strongly worded post on social media.
He further added, “No resolution in the Assembly on the Waqf Bill is nothing but silent approval. The CM and the NC patron posing happily with Rijiju is a loud statement — one that abandons the people and institutions they claim to protect.”
Peoples’ Conference chairman Sajad Lone was equally critical, calling the gesture an insult to Muslim sentiments across the country. “The very least the Chief Minister could’ve done was to refrain from meeting the minister who presented the Waqf Bill. That would’ve sent a message. Instead, he walks the garden path with Rijiju and even brings Farooq Sahib along. What a shame,” he said.
On his part, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju posted cheerful images from the Tulip Garden with the Abdullahs, praising the natural beauty of Asia’s largest tulip park and celebrating the increasing number of visitors. “A refreshing morning walk amid the vibrant hues of the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, with Hon’ble CM Shri @OmarAbdullah ji and also glad to meet Dr Farooq Abdullah sahab,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament last week, aims to reform the governance of Waqf properties—assets permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes. While the government claims it will bring transparency, better coordination with local authorities, and protection for heritage and community interests, critics argue that the bill centralizes control and could undermine community representation.
The Tulip Garden meeting has now become symbolic of a deeper political divide, with critics alleging that photo-ops are being prioritized over principled stands on critical legislative issues. The NC leadership, however, has so far refrained from responding to the barrage of opposition allegations.
