Ghulam Nabi Azad Accuses Omar Abdullah of Being a “Tourist” in Valley, Sparks Political Spat

GG News Bureau
Doda, 16th April. Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) president Ghulam Nabi Azad launched a scathing attack on former chief minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of being a “tourist” in the Kashmir valley while spending summers in London and winters in warmer climates abroad. The remarks came during Azad’s campaign trail in Doda, where he rallied support for party candidate G M Saroori.

Amidst heightened campaigning in the Udhampur-Kathua Lok Sabha constituency, Azad’s comments intensified the exchange of personal attacks among rival politicians. Congress’s Lal Singh is challenging Union Minister and BJP candidate Jitendra Singh in the constituency, which heads to polls in the first phase of the Lok Sabha election on April 19.

Taking aim at Omar Abdullah, Azad questioned the National Conference vice president’s commitment to the valley, alleging that he rarely visited the region during his tenure and had been absent in recent years. He criticized Abdullah’s engagement in international travel, contrasting it with what he portrayed as a lack of presence in the valley during times of hardship.

Azad further accused the NC of colluding with the BJP, suggesting that the party prioritized its own interests over the welfare of the people. He lambasted political leaders, including Abdullah, for their purported silence on critical issues such as land eviction orders and the abolition of Article 370.

Responding to Azad’s allegations, Omar Abdullah defended his record of engagement in the valley and his efforts to address the concerns of its residents. He highlighted his ongoing campaign activities in Doda district and emphasized the importance of political participation in addressing the region’s challenges.