Omar Abdullah Faces Backlash Over Student Participation in ABVP Tiranga Rally

GG News Bureau
Jammu, 30th Jan. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah has landed in controversy after an order directing schoolchildren to participate in a Tiranga rally organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The move has sparked a political storm, with the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) accusing the NC-led government of forcing students to attend an “ideological event” affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, has strongly condemned the government’s actions, alleging that education is being used as a tool for political propaganda. In addition to PDP, a prominent tribal students’ organization in Poonch has also demanded an investigation into the matter.

The controversy escalated after a letter from Poonch’s Additional District Magistrate to the Chief Education Officer (CEO) surfaced on social media. The letter, dated January 22, instructed the education department to send 40 to 50 students along with two teachers to the ABVP-organized rally on January 23.

The PDP has slammed the Jammu and Kashmir administration, stating that compelling students to participate in an event linked to the ABVP is unacceptable. Party leader Iltija Mufti took to social media, criticizing the government for allegedly misusing the education system for ideological purposes.

On January 23, multiple students and teachers from both private and government schools participated in the ABVP’s Tiranga rally in Poonch. The controversy has also drawn criticism against the Omar Abdullah-led government for allegedly aligning with the BJP-led central government.

With mounting political pressure, questions are being raised about the functioning of the education department in Jammu and Kashmir and the government’s role in facilitating the event. The opposition continues to demand accountability, calling for immediate action against what they term an unacceptable misuse of education for ideological indoctrination.