Omar Abdullah Distances Himself from NC MLAs’ Waqf Act Move, Faces Fire from Opposition
Jammu & Kashmir, April 15, 2025: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sparked a political storm after distancing himself from a controversial move by National Conference (NC) legislators to raise an adjournment motion on the Waqf Act in the J&K Assembly. His comments, aimed at clarifying procedural lapses, have drawn sharp criticism from Opposition leaders who accuse the NC of orchestrating a drama to avoid taking a firm stand on the contentious legislation.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr. Abdullah said, “Adjournment motions are typically filed for matters concerning the functioning of the state government. Since the Waqf Act is a central law passed by the Indian Parliament, it should have been raised through a different procedural route. Unfortunately, our members made a mistake.”
The Chief Minister’s remarks followed the disallowance of the adjournment motion by Assembly Speaker Rahim Rather, who cited that the matter was sub judice. The motion had been spearheaded by NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq and was supported by Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and J&K Peoples Conference (JKPC). The resulting commotion led to a three-day deadlock in the Assembly, with proceedings stalled amid heated exchanges between NC and BJP legislators.
JKPC’s Lone Calls It a Scripted Distraction
JKPC leader Sajad Lone launched a scathing attack on the Chief Minister, accusing him of staging the uproar to sidestep a potential resolution condemning the Waqf Act. “This was your script. You didn’t want a resolution passed. You orchestrated the entire performance to dodge the issue. Fifty legislators shouting for three days—who gave them that order?” Lone asked in the Assembly.
He also questioned the political maturity of NC lawmakers. “You have a dozen lawyers in your team, and they didn’t know the procedural route? Are you leading a group of dunces?” he lashed out.
PDP Slams NC-BJP ‘Understanding’
PDP leader Iltija Mufti echoed similar sentiments, accusing the NC of surrendering Muslim interests in the region. “No joint resolution was brought during the session. Meanwhile, Mr. Abdullah was seen walking alongside Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden. Is there already an understanding with the BJP to remain silent?” she said.
Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, further accused the NC of normalizing the abrogation of Article 370 and failing to protect Waqf properties. “People of J&K feel betrayed. The silence of the NC on this crucial issue is deafening.”
Political Tempers Flare Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls
The heated debate around the Waqf Act comes at a politically sensitive time, with the Lok Sabha elections approaching. The Waqf Amendment Act, recently passed by the Parliament, has faced backlash from various Muslim leaders and organizations who argue it undermines community control over religious endowments.
While Omar Abdullah’s attempt to clarify procedural mistakes may have been aimed at damage control, the backlash indicates deeper political fractures and rising public resentment, especially among J&K’s Muslim-majority population. The coming days are likely to see continued turbulence as Opposition parties push for a united stance against the Waqf Act.