Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hit out at the PDP, accusing it of political hypocrisy and holding it responsible for the worsening situation in Jammu and Kashmir, even as he defended his widely-circulated photo with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden.
Responding to media queries as per news agency JKNS Omar said, “Those who comfortably aligned with the BJP, spoke of milk and toffees, and silently watched Jammu and Kashmir suffer are now questioning me over a casual photo.”
He clarified that the picture in question was taken during an unplanned encounter. “I had taken my father to see the Tulip Garden. The Union Minister was already there and requested a photo. Should I have created a scene? I simply obliged,” he said.
Targeting PDP leadership, Omar said it was ironic that those who facilitated BJP’s entry into the region’s politics were now questioning his integrity. “They’ve never even expressed regret for the 2016 bloodshed,” he said.
Referring to his absence from the Assembly during key discussions, he noted that “unusual developments” had taken place and reaffirmed the role of elected lawmakers in voicing public issues inside the House.
On the Waqf Amendment Bill, he stated that the National Conference would announce its future stance through the party spokesperson or senior leadership. (JKNS)
