SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of facilitating the normalisation of the Centre’s controversial 2019 decision to revoke the region’s special status. In a post on X, Mehbooba contrasted Abdullah’s actions with those of her late father, former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, lauding the latter as a visionary leader.
Mehbooba argued that Sayeed had earned the confidence of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, despite the PDP holding only 16 seats in the Assembly. By contrast, she alleged that Abdullah, with a majority of 50 MLAs, had prioritised appeasing the Centre over preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The National Conference (NC) was quick to respond, dismissing the PDP’s criticism. NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar claimed that the PDP was “in no position to do anything” and accused the party of attempting to mislead the public.
Difference between a shortsighted politician & a true statesman. In 2003 then BJP PM Vajpayee during his visit to Srinagar showed great faith in Mufti sahab’s vision of peace with dignity even though PDP had a mere 16 MLAs. Today our CM despite 50 MLAs did everything to appease &… pic.twitter.com/9I4zlNL37E
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 13, 2025
The National Conference (NC) was quick to respond, dismissing the PDP’s criticism. NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar claimed that the PDP was “in no position to do anything” and accused the party of attempting to mislead the public.
The event, which marked Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of the Abdullah-led National Conference government in October last year, saw an exchange of warm gestures between the two leaders. Upon Modi’s arrival, he was greeted with a Sozni shawl and a Papier Mâché painting, both symbolic of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. The friendly tone continued as Abdullah took to the stage, where Modi was seen applauding and shaking hands with him before returning to his seat.
In his address, Abdullah praised Modi’s efforts to bridge the gap between “Dil (heart) and Delhi” and expressed confidence that the promise of statehood restoration for Jammu and Kashmir would soon be fulfilled. Modi, in turn, reciprocated by mentioning Abdullah in his speech, even recounting his memories of working in the region as an ordinary BJP worker in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and other areas. Modi also referred to Abdullah’s participation in Kashmir’s first-ever International Marathon, which had gone viral earlier, highlighting the camaraderie between the two leaders.
MLA Handwara Sajad Lone remarked sarcastically. “Here is our CM sahib, grinning from ear to ear. Happy.”
He wrote on X: “Here is our CM sahib, grinning from ear to ear. Happy. That clouds have made way for PM sahib. This clip is a gift to all those who propagated his ‘All others are BJP’ discourse.”
Former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu said, “Today, welcoming the same Modi Ji has become Halaal for Omar Abdullah. When I received the Hon’ble PM at Srinagar during my term as Mayor, NC bobbing and talking heads came out with brickbats and abuses.”
Today welcoming the same Modi Ji has become Halaal for Omar Abdullah.
When I received the Hon’ble PM at Srinagar during my term as Mayor, NC bobbing and talking heads came out with brickbats and abuses.
Today warming up to the BJP, down on two knees, is apparently noble. pic.twitter.com/WjuBJlLBfN
— Junaid Azim Mattu (@Junaid_Mattu) January 13, 2025
Adding to the social media buzz, Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba’s daughter, posted a popular 80’s melody on her profile to mock Abdullah’s remarks about Modi’s visit: “Saare zamaane pe mausam suhane pe, Iss dil diwane pe virani si thi chayi, Aap aaye bahar aayi.”
Saare zamaane pe mausam suhane pe
Iss dil diwane pe virani si thi chayi
Aap aaye bahar aayi pic.twitter.com/gbPYjfiAY3— Iltija Mufti (@IltijaMufti_) January 13, 2025
