Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir), April 9– In a sharp political exchange, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday launched a veiled but stinging attack on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing it of having “sat in the BJP’s lap” and “destroyed” the Union Territory during their alliance government.
“Now those people who once distributed cricket bats to mislead youth and dragged them to Home Minister’s events are talking about me,” said Abdullah while speaking to reporters in Jammu. He added, “Whatever situation we are in today is because of them.”
Abdullah’s remarks appear to be a direct rebuttal to PDP leader Waheed Para, who on Monday accused the National Conference-led government of compromising on key issues related to Kashmir and Muslims, especially in the context of the Waqf Amendment Bill.
The political firestorm follows the J&K Assembly Speaker’s decision to reject PDP’s motion to adjourn the house to discuss the controversial bill. Para criticized the government for failing to oppose the bill, accusing them of “playing a fixed match” with the BJP while pretending to be in opposition.
“By not opposing this bill today, it’s clear the government is facilitating BJP’s policies on the ground,” Para had said, alleging that religious and community issues were being sidelined for political gains. He added that the Waqf properties are not just assets but matters of faith, demanding that they be treated accordingly.
Reacting to allegations that he recently met Union Ministers Amit Shah and Kiren Rijiju, Abdullah clarified that the meeting was a coincidence during his visit to the Tulip Garden with his father. “He [the Union Minister] wanted a photo. How could I refuse?” Abdullah said.
He went on to point fingers at the PDP-BJP alliance formed in 2015, which he claims opened the gates for BJP’s increasing influence in the region. “Those who gave BJP an entry into J&K are now using a casual meeting against me. They should first reflect on the aftermath of their own decisions,” he said, referencing the 2016 unrest during the alliance rule.
Abdullah concluded by stating that his party would soon officially respond to the Waqf Act controversy through their spokesperson, but emphasized that the PDP has no moral high ground to critique anyone after their past decisions.
The war of words underscores the deepening political rift between the National Conference and the PDP, even as both parties attempt to position themselves as defenders of Kashmir’s identity and autonomy in the post-Article 370 era.