NC Chief Launches Scathing Attack Amid Political Tensions
Srinagar, 09 April 2025: A Political War of Words
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has launched a blistering attack on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing it of “ruining” the region by forming an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Abdullah claimed that the PDP was directly responsible for enabling the BJP’s entry into the Union Territory, a move he described as catastrophic for Jammu and Kashmir’s political and social fabric.
Omar Abdullah’s Criticism of PDP
Abdullah did not hold back in his remarks, targeting PDP leaders for what he called their political opportunism and hypocrisy. “Today, those people are talking about me who once sat in the lap of BJP and talked about milk and candies…who sat in the lap of BJP and destroyed J&K. These are the same people who also misguided the youth of J&K,” Abdullah stated, making a veiled reference to PDP President Mehbooba Mufti’s past statements during the 2016 unrest.
He further accused the PDP of trivializing the pain of the people during the unrest, recalling how the party distributed cricket bats to the youth and organized their participation in events hosted by the then Union Home Minister. “Instead of addressing the grievances of the people, they misled the youth and allowed the BJP to gain a foothold in J&K,” Abdullah added.
Tulip Garden Controversy
Abdullah’s remarks come in the wake of a controversy surrounding his photograph with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at Srinagar’s Tulip Garden. Critics, including PDP leaders, accused Abdullah of rolling out the red carpet for Rijiju, who introduced the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act in Parliament.
Defending the encounter, Abdullah clarified that it was a chance meeting. “When I visited the Tulip Garden along with my father, the Union Minister was already there. He wanted to get a picture clicked with me…was I supposed not to get a picture clicked? But now this is being used against me by those who gave entry to BJP into J&K,” he explained.
Political Fallout
The remarks have intensified the ongoing political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, with PDP leaders accusing Abdullah of deflecting attention from the National Conference’s handling of the Waqf Act controversy. PDP leader Waheed Para described Abdullah’s comments as “baseless” and accused the NC of failing to take a strong stand against the BJP-led central government.
Meanwhile, Abdullah reiterated his party’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those related to the Waqf Act. “We are elected representatives of people. If we do not talk for them inside the Assembly, where will we do it? In the coming times, NC will continue its efforts outside the Assembly,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
As the political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir continues to heat up, the focus remains on the region’s leaders and their ability to navigate the complex challenges posed by the Waqf Act and other contentious issues. Abdullah’s remarks reflect the deep divisions within the region’s political landscape, where alliances and rivalries often shape the narrative.
