The Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) has strongly criticized National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah for continuing to remain in an alliance with Shiv Sena, even after their controversial and divisive statements. The AIP has questioned Omar Abdullah’s political ethics, asking how his party can justify their association with a party like Shiv Sena, which has repeatedly used language that is not only inflammatory but also mirrors the divisive rhetoric of the BJP.
Senior AIP Leader and MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed, in a hard-hitting statement, questioned the rationale behind the NC’s decision to remain in alliance with Shiv Sena. “If Shiv Sena continues to use language that targets communities, divides the society and celebrates controversial acts like the Babri Masjid demolition, how are they any different from the BJP? How can Omar Abdullah justify this alliance? Are the votes and power more important than the core values of unity and respect for all communities?” he said.
He said when Samajwadi Party already announced its departure from the coalition following a controversial statement from a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray regarding the Babri Masjid demolition what forces Omar to continue the alliance against the aspirations of local populace. Adding it reflects the thirst of the traditional power thirst of the National Conference.
Sheikh Khursheed said on one hand Omar is acting as sympathizer of poor Rohingyas who are victimized on the basis of religion, but on the other hand have forged alliance with same communal ideological peoeple. Sheikh added, “It’s evident that the National Conference is ready to go to any extent for power. Their political survival has always depended on opportunistic alliances, regardless of the party’s divisive ideology or harmful rhetoric. Omar Abdullah’s silence on the issue is not just a tacit approval but a blatant disregard for the values of peace and brotherhood that Jammu and Kashmir has always stood for.”
The AIP emphasized that Omar Abdullah’s decision to remain in an alliance with Shiv Sena is a betrayal of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially when such alliances have the potential to fuel communal tensions and divide the region even further.
The AIP also highlighted the contradiction in Omar Abdullah’s stance, saying, “On one hand, he speaks softly about the temporary settlement of Rohingyas, while on the other, he allies with parties that thrive on communal ideologies. This double standard exposes his lack of commitment to genuine secularism.”
