Opposition slams Omar for rolling out ‘red carpet’ for Rijiju
As Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took a morning walk in Srinagar’s Tulip Garden with Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday, it triggered criticism from opposition parties in the Valley. They condemned what they called a “red carpet welcome” amid ongoing protests over the Waqf Amendment Act.
The morning walk came a day after Omar Abdullah attended the Lok Samvardhan Parv event in Srinagar as the chief guest, which was inaugurated by Rijiju.
On Monday morning, the Union Minister took to X, saying he had a “refreshing morning walk amid the vibrant hues” of the Tulip Garden in Srinagar with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He also mentioned meeting National Conference President Farooq Abdullah. “Nature at its finest and conversations filled with warmth and vision — a truly special morning,” he posted.
The “special morning," however, was enough to give ammunition to opposition parties in the Valley. Rijiju had introduced the controversial Waqf Bill in both Houses of Parliament last week, which was subsequently passed.
The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and People’s Conference targeted the ruling National Conference over the meeting, accusing it of surrendering to the BJP without even a semblance of resistance to the passage of the Waqf Act.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti wrote on X: “What’s left to say when the Chief Minister of India’s only Muslim-majority state gives a red carpet welcome to the BJP minister who introduced the Waqf Bill meant to disempower and debilitate Muslims?”
“This stands in stark contrast to the Tamil Nadu CM, who showed spine by swiftly introducing a resolution against the Waqf Bill,” she added.
Another PDP leader and the party’s MLA from Pulwama, Waheed Para, said Muslims of J&K have been “reduced to props" in the government’s “political theatre" — useful on stage, but far too inconvenient to represent when real decisions are to be made.
People’s Conference chief and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone termed it a “shame.” “The least Muslims of India deserved was that in J&K, the only Muslim-majority province in India, the CM, as a mark of protest, stays away from Kiren Rijiju, who presented the Waqf Bill,” Lone said, adding, “Instead, he tags along Farooq sahib as well. What a shame.”
The Awami Ittehad Party, headed by jailed MP Engineer Rashid, also criticised the Chief Minister. “Omar Abdullah could have easily refused to receive Kiren Rijiju as a mark of protest. But instead, he gave him a red carpet welcome like a loyal BJP ally. Is this what resistance looks like?” the party’s chief spokesperson, Inam Un Nabi, said.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by Parliament last week.
J & K