Sajid Raina
Jammu, Jan 6: Asserting that further division of Jammu and Kashmir on religious lines can have far reaching consequences, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday castigated Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for claiming that Jammu only may get statehood.
The Chief Minister while responding to a query of a reporter about the claims of BJP leaders, said, “They have already spoiled Ladakh by making it a UT. If they now want to do the same to Jammu, then let them do it.”
He said the Centre had “failed to effectively administer Ladakh after separating it from Jammu and Kashmir.”
“They couldn’t control Ladakh. Why are they now trying to spoil Jammu?” Abdullah asked, adding that such statements reflected political failure. “Somewhere their politics has failed. That is why they are now talking about the statehood for Jammu,” he said.
The Chief Minister also questioned why the idea was not implemented earlier. “When all this was being done in 2019, why didn’t they do it then?” he said, and cautioned against any attempt to redraw political boundaries on communal grounds. “On what basis do they want to separate Jammu? On the basis of religion?” he asked.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the challenges being faced by his government. “Six days have passed in the New Year and nobody knows what all we will have to face,” he said.
Recalling last year’s developments, the Chief Minister said unexpected events had tested the administration. “Last year, nobody thought there would be a Pahalgam attack. Then there was Operation Sindoor. There was also heavy rain in August and September. We are still bearing the brunt,” he said.
The Chief Minister said while the government prepares for challenges, many situations unfold without warning. “We prepare, but we don’t know what is going to unfold,” he said.
Listing immediate priorities, CM Omar said the upcoming budget session would be a major test for the government. He also flagged the approaching tourism season, which usually begins in March.
“Tourism season is starting in March. We have to brace for it. Hopefully, it will be successful, but it is a challenge,” he said.
The Chief Minister said his government was ready to face multiple tests. “We are ready to face all kinds of challenges, but situations take a turn and test us in various ways,” he said, adding that restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir remained a key political challenge.
Referring to the row over admissions in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) University Medical College, the Chief Minister said, “The Health Ministry should consider shutting down the University Medical College as the institution has turned into a political issue, even though students admitted there are qualified on merit. The controversy has created uncertainty for students and their families.”
“The Health Ministry should shut down the college. It has become a political issue. The students who have taken admission there are qualified on merit. If I were the father of those children, I would not allow them to study there,” he said.
Reacting to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, CM Omar questioned the move and sought clarity on the grounds for the decision.
The BCCI had asked KKR to release Rahman without issuing a public explanation, despite the franchise having bought the pacer for Rs 9.2 crore at the IPL auction last month.
“What wrong has Mustafizur Rahman done?” CM Omar asked, adding that India shares better relations with Bangladesh than with Pakistan. “There is no terrorism coming from Bangladesh,” he said.
Commenting on reports of killings of Hindus in Bangladesh, the Chief Minister said the Prime Minister should respond firmly on the issue. “If such incidents are happening, the Prime Minister should speak strongly, like US President Donald Trump does while dealing with Venezuela,” he said.
