Jammu Tawi, Feb 3:
Responding to questions regarding the budget presentation, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declined to comment outside the House, stating that he would address all budget-related issues on the floor of the Assembly. “I will say everything in the House regarding the budget,” he said.
On remarks allegedly made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Parliament, Omar maintained that it was the Speaker’s prerogative to decide on such matters and emphasised the importance of maintaining legislative decorum. He said it was inappropriate to discuss the proceedings of one legislature in another and added that he was unaware of the details of what transpired in Parliament.
Addressing the Congress party’s demand for the formation of a coordination committee, Omar said the matter should be taken up with the National Conference leadership. Clarifying his position, he said he serves as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, while Dr Farooq Abdullah continues to be the president of the National Conference.
Omar also linked the recent removal of US tariffs on Indian exports to New Delhi’s reported decision to stop importing oil from Russia. He said the tariffs had severely impacted Indian exporters and were possibly imposed due to US displeasure over India’s oil purchases from Russia. While the Indian government has not issued an official statement, he noted that the US President had announced that India had stopped buying Russian oil, following which the tariffs were withdrawn.
He said the rollback would bring relief to exporters who were struggling with rising costs and uncertain markets, though concerns remain about potential increases in petrol and diesel prices depending on alternative oil sources.
Separately, Omar criticised the politicisation of sports, particularly India–Pakistan cricket matches, saying such games are often portrayed as confrontations rather than sporting events. He questioned the media’s tendency to describe these matches as a “war.”
On governance issues, the Chief Minister said the government is working to strengthen the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (RTC) to make it financially viable. He said there was public demand to make pilgrimage tourism in the Union Territory inclusive of all religions and faiths.
Omar also said two proposed railway projects in south Kashmir, including routes through Pahalgam, Kakapora and Shopian, were put on hold following objections from locals who feared loss of orchards and tourism assets. He welcomed the popularity of the Vande Bharat train but urged the Railways to increase frequency and capacity to benefit local residents.
