 Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 7: A seemingly serene morning walk in Srinagar's iconic Tulip Garden has ignited a fierce political debate in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah have come under fire from opposition parties for accompanying Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who recently spearheaded the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Parliament.
The controversy began when Rijiju, who was in Srinagar to attend the Lok Samvardhan Parv at the University of Kashmir, shared photos on social media of his morning stroll with the Abdullahs. In his post, Rijiju described the outing as “a refreshing morning amid vibrant hues, filled with warmth and vision.” The images showed the trio walking, shaking hands, and posing against the backdrop of blooming tulips.
However, the opposition wasted no time in criticizing the Abdullahs for their association with Rijiju.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which became law after receiving presidential assent on April 5, has been widely opposed in Jammu and Kashmir for its perceived impact on religious and community matters.
Opposition leaders accused the National Conference of failing to take a firm stand against the legislation.
Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone was among the first to voice his disapproval, stating that the Chief Minister should have distanced himself from Rijiju as a mark of protest. “The least Muslims of India deserved was th The controversy began when Rijiju, who was in Srinagar to attend the Lok Samvardhan Parv at the University of Kashmir
He shared photos on social media of his morning stroll with the Abdullahs.
In his post, Rijiju described the outing as “a refreshing morning amid vibrant hues, filled with warmth and vision.”
The images showed the trio walking, shaking hands, and posing against the backdrop of blooming tulips.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also joined the chorus of criticism. Senior leader Naeem Akhtar took a sarcastic jab, remarking on the Abdullahs’ “romantic” approach to channeling public sentiment. PDP youth president Wa heed Para accused the National Conference of surrendering on key issues, including Article 370, statehood, and now the Waqf Bill. “No resolution on Waqf is a silent approval. NC MLAs protest for show while the CM and NC patron roll out the welcome mat for the Minority Minister who pushed the bill against Waqf,” Para stated.
The controversy has further fueled tensions in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, where opposition legislators have been protesting against the Waqf Bill. Earlier this week, members of the National Conference, PDP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) created an uproar after their adjournment motions to discuss the bill were rejected. The Speaker was forced to adjourn the House twice due to the chaos.
As the political fallout continues, the Abdullahs have yet to respond to the criticism. The incident has highlighted the deep divisions within Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, with opposition parties accusing the National Conference of failing to represent the sentiments of the region’s Muslim-majority population. |
