Srinagar, Dec 20 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that while he acknowledges the Centre’s support in certain matters, he also highlights areas where it has fallen short.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar as per news agency JKNS said, “I myself came to Srinagar and held a meeting covering both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, especially the areas where snowfall is expected. Across all districts of the Valley and the hilly areas of Jammu, the administration has made all preparations from its side. However, whether these preparations will prove sufficient or not will only be known after tomorrow, once the snowfall actually begins.
Even if this snowfall causes us some inconvenience, I don’t think any of us will complain, because we have been waiting for it very eagerly. It will help clean the air to some extent, reduce the pollution we have recently witnessed, and, in the true sense, mark the beginning of our winter tourist season. From our side, we have completed all the necessary preparations.”
On being asked about allegations that his tone changes between Srinagar and Delhi, particularly regarding his statement that the Prime Minister has been kind to J&K and to him, Omar said, “Give me an example first. I say the same thing here as well, and I say it everywhere. I am not among those people who play politics and deceive the public. Where the Centre has helped, I acknowledge it. Where there has been a shortcoming from the Centre, I say that too.
I have already said that in many matters the Centre has left no room for complaint, but when it comes to the issue of statehood, apart from assurances, nothing has been given to us. It would be wrong for me to lie just to please someone. And I don’t say this only after going to Delhi, I say it here in front of you, I say it in public meetings, in programmes, and I have said it in the Assembly as well.
You can check my Assembly speeches, whether in Srinagar or Jammu. I have repeatedly said that wherever the Central government does the right thing, I will thank them, and wherever something is wrong, I will call it wrong.”
On being asked about the proposal to change the name of the MGNREGA Bill to the ‘G-Ram-Ji Bill’, CM Omar said with a smile, “Where did this idea come from? I apologise, but at least put some thought into naming a Bill. It actually reminds me of the title of an old Bollywood film, ‘G-Mammi-Ji’. Maybe many people haven’t seen that film, but my sister’s son has.
Is ‘G-Ram-Ji’ even a suitable name for a Bill? First, the name of Mahatma Gandhi was removed. After that, the financial burden of this scheme was shifted onto the states. Many such changes have been introduced, which will cause serious losses to states like ours, rather than benefiting us.”
In Katra, responding to BJP’s Gaurav Bhatia’s statement targeting Rahul Gandhi, he said, “Sir, whom exactly did Rahul Gandhi meet that is being objected to? Is it a crime to travel abroad in this country? People are given full freedom to go outside and speak Prime Ministers and Ministers do so, and Rahul Gandhi does it as well. Then why do BJP leaders have an objection only when Rahul Gandhi does it?” (JKNS)
