PDP Leader and MLA Waheed Parra accuses Omar Abdullah of ignoring key issues like Article 370 and political prisoners, suggesting his recent praise of PM Modi aligns him with BJP’s narrative.
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Srinagar, January 14 – In a fiery critique, PDP leader and MLA Waheed Parra accused Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), of acting as the “spokesperson” for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Parra’s remarks come in the wake of Abdullah’s recent praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a gesture that Parra claims underscores a worrying shift in the political discourse of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at a public gathering, Parra expressed dismay over Abdullah’s silence on crucial issues like the restoration of Article 370 and the release of political prisoners. “It is astonishing that Omar Abdullah, whose party succeeded in securing a mandate on the narrative of Article 370’s restoration, did not even bother to mention it. Instead, he chose to sing praises for PM Modi. This raises serious questions about where his loyalties lie,” Parra said.
The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, remains a deeply sensitive issue in the region. Both the PDP and JKNC have vowed to fight for its reinstatement. However, Parra questioned the sincerity of Abdullah’s commitment to this cause, accusing him of prioritizing political expediency over the aspirations of the people.
“People entrusted JKNC with their votes because they believed in their promise to restore Article 370. But instead of championing their cause, Omar Abdullah seems more focused on appeasing those in power in New Delhi,” Parra added.
The criticism from Parra underscores the growing tensions between the two main regional parties, the PDP and JKNC, at a time when unity is seen as essential to counter the BJP’s influence in Jammu and Kashmir. By questioning Abdullah’s silence, Parra has reignited the debate on whether the JKNC is genuinely committed to challenging the BJP’s policies or has adopted a more conciliatory approach.
With emotions running high in the region, this development could further polarize the political landscape, adding to the challenges faced by pro-Kashmir parties in their fight for the restoration of autonomy.
