SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday refuted reports suggesting he had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to Delhi, clarifying that no such meeting has taken place. However, he acknowledged the Home Minister’s pivotal role in the governance of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory.
Omar said, “I don’t know where these reports originate. If there is any meeting, you will be informed, either by me or the Home Minister’s office.”
He emphasised the importance of engaging with the Union Home Minister, given his significant role in managing Jammu and Kashmir’s affairs. “As Jammu and Kashmir is presently a Union Territory, the Home Minister plays a critical role. There are several matters we need to discuss with him, and I plan to meet him in the near future,” he said.
Responding to questions about his recent remarks on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Omar clarified that his comments had been misinterpreted. “I’ve consistently said that concerns about EVMs should be raised year-round, not just after losing elections. If people are genuinely worried, they should voice these concerns even after victories. Otherwise, we might as well return to ballot papers—but have we forgotten the manipulations with ballot papers, like ballot stuffing? I experienced these issues in my early elections before EVMs were introduced,” he remarked.
When asked about allegations from Congress leaders that some alliance members adopt a different tone after assuming ministerial roles, Omar dismissed such claims, reaffirming his appreciation for the Congress party’s leadership. “In the same interview, I praised Sonia Gandhi’s leadership and stated that the Congress has a natural role in leading the opposition due to its pan-India presence. This is not BJP’s language but the truth. I won’t refrain from speaking the truth just because I hold a leadership position,” he said.
On speculation regarding a leadership change within the INDIA alliance, Omar dismissed the rumours. “There is no such discussion taking place,” he concluded. —(KNO)
