Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today hit back at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing it of selective outrage and political doublespeak after criticism surfaced over his recent photo with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar.
Speaking to reporters, Omar said those now questioning his intent had once comfortably shared power with the BJP. “They sat silently in BJP’s lap, watched Jammu and Kashmir suffer, and now want to lecture me over a casual photo. That’s classic hypocrisy,” he said.
Omar clarified that the photograph was taken during an unplanned encounter. “I had taken my father, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, to visit the Tulip Garden. The Union Minister was already there and politely requested a picture. Should I have created a scene? I simply obliged,” he stated.
He further hit out at the PDP, saying the party had never shown remorse for the 2016 unrest and bloodshed that unfolded during its alliance with the BJP. “They facilitated the BJP’s entry into J&K politics and now pretend to be the guardians of morality,” Omar said.
On his absence from key Assembly discussions, the Chief Minister acknowledged “unusual developments” in the House and emphasized that elected representatives have a duty to raise issues that matter to the people.
Touching on the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, Omar noted that the National Conference would announce its official position through its party spokesperson or senior leadership. The bill has sparked protests from opposition MLAs, who allege it threatens traditional community rights over religious endowments.
The political temperature in J&K continues to rise, with the Tulip Garden photograph becoming a flashpoint in a much larger debate over alliances, accountability, and legislative priorities.(DD)