SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday blamed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the prevailing situation in the region and said those who once aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and remained silent during critical times are now accusing him over a photograph with a Union Minister.
Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said: “Today, the people accusing me over a photograph with a Union Minister are the same ones who sat in BJP’s lap, spoke of milk and toffees, and watched the destruction of Jammu and Kashmir without raising their voice.”
He said some individuals used a photograph taken with a Union Minister during a chance meeting at the Tulip Garden to raise questions about him. “I had taken my father to the garden, and a Central Minister happened to be present. He asked for a photograph with me. What was I supposed to do—refuse or misbehave? I took the photo,” Abdullah said.
He added that using the picture to target him was unfair, especially by those who helped BJP enter Jammu and Kashmir politics. “These are the same people who have never apologised to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the 2016 killings,” he said.
Abdullah said many strange things have taken place in his absence from the House.
He added that as elected representatives, they are expected to raise public concerns in the Assembly. “If we don’t raise people’s issues in the House, where else will we raise them?” he said.
On the future course of action regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, Omar said the National Conference leadership or spokesperson would respond accordingly. (KNO)
