Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday categorically ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that the two parties have fundamentally different ideologies regarding the future of the Union Territory.
Speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly during the first Budget session in seven years, Abdullah dismissed speculation about potential political realignments.
“There is no discussion, nor is there any scope for an alliance with the BJP. Our vision for Jammu and Kashmir is vastly different from theirs,” Abdullah said.
During his speech, the Chief Minister lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s contributions to India’s economic growth and social welfare. He credited Singh with steering the country through economic challenges and introducing key schemes such as MGNREGA and the Indira Awas Yojana, which played a crucial role in poverty alleviation.
He also highlighted the former Prime Minister’s role in major infrastructure projects, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the world’s highest railway bridge, both of which significantly improved connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reflecting on Singh’s efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue, Abdullah recalled discussions between the former Prime Minister and then-Pakistan President Gen Pervez Musharraf, noting that tangible progress had been made during that period. He also mentioned initiatives for the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, including employment packages and the development of Jagti township for displaced families.
Abdullah shared a personal anecdote about Singh’s humility, recalling how the former Prime Minister once personally called him to clarify a protocol issue and later apologized for any misunderstanding.
With the Budget session underway, Abdullah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing Jammu and Kashmir’s pressing developmental concerns while maintaining its distinct political identity(DD)