SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s newly sworn-in Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in his first public speech after taking office, addressed party workers in Jammu, the region’s winter capital, where he delivered a candid and powerful message.
Without naming any party, he criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its alleged attempts to undermine the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) over the past few years. He reaffirmed the party’s resilience and deep-rooted connection to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that it is a “party of the people, not just its leaders.”
Omar Abdullah highlighted that despite the adversities and attempts to weaken the JKNC, the party remained strong because of its unwavering support from the public. “Serious efforts were made in the last few years to destroy JKNC, but time has proven that this party draws its strength from God and the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. He further acknowledged the party’s turbulent history and saluted the public for their maturity in electing their representatives.
While reflecting on the recent elections, Omar expressed gratitude to independent candidates who aligned with JKNC, stating that none sought personal favours but rather prioritised the welfare of the region. He also commented on the challenges faced by the people from 2018 onwards, assuring the public that his government would now focus on listening to their voices and meeting their demands.
The Chief Minister pointed out issues of governance, highlighting that for over a decade, JKNC workers had been disconnected from the Secretariat. He emphasised the need for a transparent government that would work closely with the public. “We must wait for the officers to realise that there is now a civilian government. Decisions will no longer be taken without consulting the people,” he stated.
Omar also touched on local development projects, specifically calling for a review of Panchayat and District Development Council (DDC) initiatives where the public was not properly consulted. These projects will only move forward once a thorough review is conducted, he assured, stressing the importance of aligning governance with the people’s will.
The Chief Minister expressed his surprise over how some voters in Jammu, despite facing issues like unemployment, water scarcity, smart meters, and dissatisfaction with the Darbar Move, still voted for one party. He questioned why these concerns were not taken into account during polling but acknowledged that the government is now in place and ready to address those very issues.
Omar also criticised the recent delimitation process, which he suggested was manipulated to benefit a particular party. Despite these efforts, he pointed out, the results showed that such attempts could not sway the people’s true will.
In response to accusations that the JKNC is a Kashmir-centric or Muslim-dominated party, the Chief Minister made it clear that his government would represent all voices, regardless of religion or region. He pointed out that the Deputy Chief Minister role had been retained despite it not being necessary under the current mandate, as a symbolic gesture of inclusivity. He also highlighted that the current Chief Minister is a Hindu from Jammu, not from his family, dismissing the dynasty politics accusations often levelled at the party.
The Chief Minister also touched upon media freedom, stating that journalists are free to criticise the government without fear. “Write against me; I may not even read it. You are free to express yourselves,” he said. However, he urged patience regarding matters of accreditation and registration, promising that these would be addressed in due time.
In closing, the Chief Minister reminded his party workers not to grow complacent with the victory, cautioning them against arrogance and misuse of power. “We are servants of the people, and we will serve. If we abuse our power, we will be destroyed in the next elections. We have five years—let’s not rush.”
The speech marked a significant moment in the region’s political landscape as the new government took charge, pledging to prioritise governance, transparency, and the welfare of the people across Jammu and Kashmir.
