Srinagar, Dec. 18, 2024: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah denied reports on Wednesday of meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a recent visit to Delhi, calling the claims baseless. He clarified that no meeting has occurred but acknowledged the Home Minister’s significant role in managing the affairs of the Union Territory.
“I don’t know where these reports originate. If there is any meeting, it will be announced either by me or the Home Minister’s office,” Abdullah said while addressing reporters in Srinagar.
The Chief Minister also noted that discussions with the Home Minister are inevitable, given Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a Union Territory. “There are several critical issues that need to be discussed. I plan to meet him in the future, but as of now, no meeting has taken place,” he stated.
In response to questions regarding his recent remarks about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Abdullah reiterated his stance, explaining that his comments were not new. “If there are concerns about EVMs, they should be raised consistently and not just when elections are lost. Complaints should remain even in victory; otherwise, we might as well revert to ballot papers. But let’s not forget the widespread manipulations like ballot stuffing that occurred before EVMs. I have faced these issues in my early electoral campaigns,” he said.
Addressing allegations from Congress leaders about alliance members adopting a different tone after taking ministerial positions, Abdullah dismissed such claims. He also defended his praise for Congress, emphasizing its leadership role in the opposition.
“In the same interview, I acknowledged Sonia Gandhi’s leadership and said the Congress is naturally positioned to lead the opposition due to its national presence. Speaking these truths does not align me with the BJP; it’s simply reality. Holding a leadership position doesn’t mean I stop being truthful,” Abdullah remarked.
When asked about rumors of a leadership change within the INDIA alliance, the Chief Minister denied any such discussions. “There is no truth to speculation about leadership changes,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister’s remarks sought to set the record straight on several political matters while reiterating his alignment with the alliance and future plans for Jammu and Kashmir’s governance.
