In response to speculation about a potential shift towards the BJP, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that he is not changing his fundamental political stance, but rather adapting his strategies. He emphasized his readiness to address any issue and challenged the BJP to substantiate their claims that his party had disrespected Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler.
During a legislative assembly session, Abdullah addressed “demands for grants” related to his departments, expressing confidence in his political trajectory. He criticized the BJP’s constant focus on the August 2019 developments, referring to the abrogation of Article 370.
“The intelligent captain and player is the one who adapts to the situation and changes his tactics and not the game. I have not changed the game as I still wear the white cricketing uniform. I was doing fast bowling because the Australian pitches support the pace but the BCCI pitches are meant for spin and now I am bowling spin deliveries. The purpose is that we emerge victorious,” Abdullah stated, using a cricket analogy to illustrate his point. He affirmed his commitment to his political goals, asserting that he and his party would emerge successful after their term.
Abdullah addressed Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma’s praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s actions in 2019, noting the persistent political debates within the assembly. He stressed his party’s transparency and willingness to engage in open dialogue, contrasting it with what he perceived as the opposition’s reliance on pre-prepared talking points.
He challenged the BJP’s assertion that the region had achieved equality post-August 2019, questioning whether the assembly’s current status truly reflected parity with other Indian states. He also refuted allegations of disrespect towards Maharaja Hari Singh.
“When you do not have anything else to speak, they level this allegation. (BJP’s R S) Pathania accused us of insulting Maharaja. The fact is that it was they (BJP) which changed the map of his state and also the state subject laws which he had enacted to safeguard Jammu from Punjab investors,” he stated. He pointed out the irony of the BJP accusing his party of disrespecting the Maharaja, while they themselves had altered the state’s map and laws enacted by the Maharaja. Abdullah also highlighted the shift from the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), named after Maharaja Ranbir Singh, to laws under “Bharat.”
Abdullah criticized the BJP’s stance on investment, arguing that their policies favored outside investors at the expense of local interests, particularly in the Jammu region. He referenced the historical context of the Maharaja’s state subject laws, which were designed to protect Jammu from Punjabi investors.
He also addressed the frequent interruptions from the Leader of Opposition, emphasizing his respect for the assembly’s proceedings and his commitment to addressing his departmental responsibilities. He made it clear that while he could engage in political rhetoric, he preferred to focus on his duties and the needs of the assembly.
