𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭, 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐏𝐃𝐏’𝐬 𝐁𝐉𝐏 𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐬

Srinagar, April 9: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday responded sharply to indirect criticism following his recent interaction with a central minister at Srinagar’s Tulip Garden, an exchange perceived to be a reaction to PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s comments.

Speaking to reporters, Omar said, “Those who once allied with the BJP to form a government in J&K are now questioning a mere handshake and photo? That’s quite ironic.”

He explained that he visited the Tulip Garden with his father, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, where a central minister also happened to be present. “We exchanged greetings and clicked a photo on their request. It was just courtesy — no political message,” he said.

Omar urged critics to reflect on their own political choices, referencing the 2016 unrest and controversial remarks made by former PDP leaders. “The public remembers the ‘toffee and milk’ comment and the use of children for events during that regime,” he said.

He emphasized that his party never compromised values for power. “We didn’t align with the BJP to form a government. So those who did should reflect before making accusations,” he added.

Concluding, Omar said such attempts to create controversy won’t succeed. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are politically aware — they can distinguish between genuine leadership and theatrics,” he said.