Omar Abdullah Hits Out at PDP Over Criticism on Waqf Act, Recalls BJP Alliance
Srinagar, April 9: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday launched a veiled yet sharp attack on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing it of aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the past and being responsible for the current situation in the Union Territory.
“Some strange things happened in the House during my absence. Now, those who once sat in BJP’s lap and contributed to the destruction of Jammu and Kashmir are questioning me,” Abdullah told reporters. “They distributed cricket bats to mislead the youth and pushed them into political events hosted by the then Home Minister. The current condition of J&K is largely because of them.”
His remarks came in response to PDP leader Waheed Para’s criticism of the National Conference (NC)-led government’s stance on the Waqf Act. Para had accused the government of facilitating BJP’s policies and failing to stand up for the interests of Kashmir and its Muslim population.
Speaking about his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Abdullah clarified, “Two days ago, I accompanied my father to the Tulip Garden, where we happened to meet a Union Minister. We exchanged pleasantries, and he requested a photo. It would have been impolite to refuse.”
Earlier, Waheed Para accused the NC of double standards, saying, “They are playing a fixed match—opposing the BJP in words while supporting their policies on the ground. The Speaker’s decision to reject our motion against the Waqf Amendment Bill proves this.”
He further stressed that Waqf properties are not just real estate but carry religious significance and should be treated accordingly.
Abdullah, in turn, reminded the PDP of its alliance with the BJP and urged them to reflect on the consequences of that decision. “Those who allowed BJP a political foothold in J&K are now trying to target me. Before questioning us, they should apologise to the people of J&K for what happened in 2016,” he added.
The controversy erupted after the J&K Assembly Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, declined to entertain a motion by PDP legislators seeking discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill.
