Is Omar Abdullah Softening His Stance Towards BJP and PM Modi?
Srinagar 04 March 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has recently made headlines with his seemingly softened stance towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This shift has sparked discussions and raised eyebrows, given his previously critical position towards the BJP-led government at the Centre.
Historical Context:
Omar Abdullah has been a vocal critic of the BJP, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. He often held the saffron party responsible for “destroying” Jammu and Kashmir and exacerbating tensions in the Muslim-majority region. During the election campaign, he frequently criticized the BJP’s policies and manifesto, describing them as detrimental to the erstwhile state’s interests.
Recent Developments:
However, recent statements and actions by Omar Abdullah suggest a noticeable shift in his political positioning. Just three months after coming to power, he praised PM Modi for J&K’s development and held a peaceful election when the prime minister inaugurated the Rs 2700 crore Sonamarg tunnel on January 13, 2025. In October 2024, shortly after winning the election, he publicly stated that the government in Jammu and Kashmir “needs to have coordination with the Centre,” acknowledging that “many issues of J&K can’t be resolved by fighting with the Centre”.
A Pragmatic Approach:
This pragmatic approach marks a departure from his earlier confrontational stance towards the BJP-led government at the Centre. Omar’s move towards a more conciliatory tone was also evident in November 2024, when his party, the National Conference (NC), passed a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The resolution, while reaffirming the importance of the region’s special status, was noticeably more cautious.
Clarifications and Reactions:
Despite these developments, Omar Abdullah has sought to clarify his position, stating, “There are no discussions, nor is there any scope or need for an alliance with the BJP. Our views on Jammu and Kashmir are completely different, and we will discuss all issues during the session”. He emphasized that the National Conference has a vastly different vision for Jammu and Kashmir compared to the BJP.
Political Reactions:
The perception of growing closeness between the NC and the BJP has raised eyebrows among Omar’s rivals. J&K People’s Conference leader and legislator Sajjad Lone questioned the chief minister’s new approach, saying, “During the election campaign it was all about Article 370 and how all others are with BJP. And now, the ideological overlap. What a comedown”. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Parra also criticized Omar for changing the political discourse after coming to power, accusing him of downgrading it to statehood and failing to advocate for the restoration of Article 370.
Bottom-Line:
Omar Abdullah’s recent statements and actions indicate a shift towards a more pragmatic and conciliatory approach in dealing with the BJP-led government at the Centre. While he has ruled out any alliance with the BJP, his softened stance reflects a recognition of the new political realities following the 2024 Assembly elections. As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this shift will impact the region’s future.
