Omar Abdullah refuses to be dragged into politics' over Ram Mandir inauguration

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and opposition National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah on Wednesday refused to be ‘dragged into politics’ over the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya which is scheduled for January 22.

Asked about the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya at a presser here, he said, “Inauguration is taking place, let it happen. It is not the first time that an inauguration has taken place, nor will it be the last inauguration. In the past too, many things have been inaugurated…many things will be inaugurated in the future too.”

When the reporter insists on it being a “big event” that will draw dignitaries including politicians and people from all walks of life, the former chief minister retorted, “If you want to bring politics into it, that’s is your decision. The inauguration is taking place, and the matter ends there. You ask me about it (apparently) to get a political answer. And I will not give you a political answer.”  

Asked if he would attend the consecration ceremony if he got an invitation, the NC leader said, “Why are you asking me whether I will go or not? Who goes uninvited? I know I won’t be invited. Those who were to be invited, have already got invitations. The industrialists, cricketers, film stars, and others.” He added, “Everyone knows their names. Have you seen my name on the list? No. When they do not have an intention to invite me, why should we go into ifs and buts?”

The former chief minister, once again, criticised the Election Commission of India over its not holding the Assembly elections even as the last house had been dissolved by the then J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik in November 2018.

He said, “The last Assembly elections in J&K were held in 2014. It is sad that the Supreme Court had to intervene and pass directions on J&K’s Assembly elections, instead the Election Commission (which) was duty-bound for announcing schedules and holding polls. We say that India is a mother of democracy, but it is unfortunate that we are doing its murder in J&K.”