SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent remarks lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conducting transparent elections in the Union Territory have ignited a political firestorm, with reactions pouring in from all quarters. Abdullah’s praise, made during the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel in Ganderbal, has not only sparked heated political debates but also created a frenzy on social media platforms.
During the event, Abdullah commended the Prime Minister for ensuring free and fair elections in J&K. He remarked, “Elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir, and the best part was there were no complaints of irregularities or misuse of power. Credit goes to you (PM Modi), your colleagues, and the Election Commission of India.” He also urged the Prime Minister to fulfil his promise of restoring J&K’s statehood, expressing optimism that it would happen soon.
However, these remarks did not sit well with many political leaders and commentators in the region.
PDP Hits Back
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti was quick to respond, criticizing Abdullah for what she termed as “shortsightedness.” She accused him of normalizing Delhi’s unilateral actions of 2019 that revoked J&K’s special status. Mehbooba tweeted, “In 2003, then BJP PM Vajpayee showed great faith in Mufti Sahab’s vision of peace with dignity,
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent remarks lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conducting transparent elections in the Union Territory have ignited a political firestorm, with reactions pouring in from all quarters. Abdullah’s praise, made during the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel in Ganderbal, has not only sparked heated political debates but also created a frenzy on social media platforms.
During the event, Abdullah commended the Prime Minister for ensuring free and fair elections in J&K. He remarked, “Elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir, and the best part was there were no complaints of irregularities or misuse of power. Credit goes to you (PM Modi), your colleagues, and the Election Commission of India.” He also urged the Prime Minister to fulfil his promise of restoring J&K’s statehood, expressing optimism that it would happen soon.
However, these remarks did not sit well with many political leaders and commentators in the region.
PDP Hits Back
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti was quick to respond, criticizing Abdullah for what she termed as “shortsightedness.” She accused him of normalizing Delhi’s unilateral actions of 2019 that revoked J&K’s special status. Mehbooba tweeted, “In 2003, then BJP PM Vajpayee showed great faith in Mufti Sahab’s vision of peace with dignity, even though PDP had just 16 MLAs. Today, Omar Abdullah, despite 50 MLAs, is normalizing Delhi’s actions that stripped J&K of its special status.”
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PDP leader Waheed ur Rehman Parra shared a scathing video message on X, accusing Abdullah of aligning with the BJP narrative. He said, “Omar Abdullah sounded more like a BJP spokesperson, focusing on statehood while avoiding critical issues like Article 370, 35A, and political prisoners. This silence is a betrayal of the people’s mandate.”
PDP Youth Leader Advocate Ahra Syed termed Abdullah’s remarks as a “blatant betrayal” of the Kashmiri people. She said, “Standing on the same stage as the Prime Minister without mentioning Article 370 or statehood is spineless and shameful. Omar Abdullah has prioritized political convenience over the aspirations of Kashmiris.”
People’s Conference and Others Join the Chorus
Sajjad Gani Lone, President of the People’s Conference, mocked Abdullah by sharing a video clip of his speech. He quipped, “Here is our CM Sahib, grinning from ear to ear. Happy that clouds made way for PM Sahib. This clip is a gift for those who propagated his ‘All others are BJP’ discourse.”
Former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu criticized Abdullah’s apparent shift in stance. “When I welcomed PM Modi as Mayor, NC leaders hurled abuses at me. Now Omar Abdullah’s warming up to the BJP is noble? This capitulation is painful to watch,” he tweeted.
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Former Deputy Mayor Sheikh Mohammad Imran also took to X, highlighting Abdullah’s inconsistency. “Yesterday, Modi ji for him was the PM who couldn’t hold elections since 1996. Today, he’s praised for transparent elections. Omar Abdullah’s words fight with his own,” he wrote.
National Conference Stands Ground
Amid the backlash, National Conference leaders rallied behind Abdullah. Senior NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani defended the Chief Minister’s remarks as mature and constructive. “Some in the opposition need to reflect on their own actions. Omar Abdullah’s approach demonstrates the ability to engage constructively,” Wani said.
NC Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar directly targeted the PDP, accusing Mehbooba Mufti of hypocrisy. “Omar Sahib’s call for the restoration of statehood is dignified and official. In contrast, Mehbooba Mufti’s obsequious language towards Delhi bordered on cringe-worthy when she was CM,” he said.
Dar also pointed out that the PDP’s consistent electoral defeats have made them irrelevant. “The people have clearly said ‘thanks, but no thanks’ to PDP. No amount of whataboutery will change this,” he added.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political analysts offered nuanced views on the unfolding drama. Shakir Parray, a young analyst from Budgam, highlighted the stark contrast between Abdullah’s campaign rhetoric and his current remarks. “Omar Abdullah built his campaign on portraying BJP as a villain. Now, his sudden shift in tone appears contradictory and shocking,” Parray said.
Danish Iqbal, a PhD scholar from Srinagar, noted that Abdullah’s address was strategic but poorly timed. “He avoided demanding Article 370 or 35A, focusing only on statehood. However, his past anti-BJP rhetoric now makes even small reconciliatory gestures seem like a sellout,” he observed.
BJP’s Take
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla praised Abdullah’s remarks, taking a dig at the opposition. “Whenever they win elections, they praise the process. When they lose, they question the Election Commission. Omar Abdullah has exposed the INDIA bloc’s hypocrisy,” he said.
Omar Abdullah’s comments have thrown J&K’s political landscape into disarray, with reactions highlighting deep divides and political opportunism in the region. While the Chief Minister’s remarks were aimed at fostering constructive dialogue with the Centre, they have also exposed vulnerabilities within his party and its narrative.
As social media continues to buzz with reactions, it remains to be seen whether Abdullah’s approach will strengthen his position or further alienate his core supporters. For now, the storm on social media reflects the ever-evolving political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir.
