Srinagar, April 9 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday hit back at veiled criticism over his recent interaction with a central minister at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar. Though no names were mentioned, the Chief Minister’s remarks were widely seen as a response to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s indirect commentary.
“Those who once gave the BJP a political foothold in Jammu and Kashmir — who formed a government with them — are now questioning a simple handshake and a photo? The irony is hard to miss,” CM Omar Abdullah told reporters, as per KNS.
He clarified the encounter, saying, “I had gone to the Tulip Garden with my father, Dr. Farooq Abdullah. It just so happened that a central minister was also present. We exchanged greetings, and they requested a picture. I obliged — it was nothing more than basic courtesy. There was no political agenda.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”
CM Omar further said that those targeting him should introspect first. “Let’s not forget 2016 — the painful loss of young lives, and the insensitive ‘toffee and milk’ remarks. The public remembers. And they also remember how children were compelled to participate in events for the Home Minister during that government.”
He added, “Unlike others, we never compromised our principles for power. We didn’t sit with the BJP to form a government. So those who did should think twice before pointing fingers.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah concluded by saying that such attempts to stir controversy won’t work. “People in Jammu and Kashmir are politically conscious. They know the difference between substance and stunt,” he told according to Kashmir News Service (KNS) correspondent.(KNS)