 Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 7: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took a veiled swipe at Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hamid Karra for his sharp criticism of the National Conference–led government.
Responding to Karra’s remarks in the Legislative Assembly, Omar Abdullah said he does not hesitate to acknowledge support extended by the Union Government to Jammu and Kashmir whenever it is due. He observed that some of his “friends” tend to get annoyed whenever he praises the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister, or the Union Finance Minister.
“Congress leader Tariq Hamid Karra gets upset whenever I appreciate the Prime Minister. I am not someone who shies away from acknowledging positive work done for Jammu and Kashmir,” the Chief Minister said, adding that he believes in being thankful for good initiatives regardless of political affiliations.
“Wherever I receive support from the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, or the Finance Minister, I make it a point to thank them,” he remarked.
Later, Omar Abdullah struck a conciliatory note, saying such exchanges are common among allies. He described the Congress and the National Conference as “friends” and said that heated words are sometimes exchanged within friendly political relationships.
It is pertinent to mention that despite the National Conference being a constituent of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra launched a strong attack on the Omar Abdullah government on several issues during the Assembly proceedings.
Karra’s speech while opposing the Lieutenant Governor’s address raised eyebrows, as he openly cornered the National Conference–led government despite the Congress being a coalition partner. He pointed out that the demand for the restoration of statehood was missing from the address, which he described as a document outlining the achievements and promises of the Omar Abdullah government. Karra demanded that the Centre announce a clear timeline for restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Participating in the motion of thanks on the Lieutenant Governor’s address, Karra also called for the constitution of an all-party panel of MLAs to facilitate the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. He further claimed that the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir was restored only after the intervention of the Supreme Court and asserted that, otherwise, the present Legislative Assembly would not have come into existence. |