Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly condemned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for attempting to unveil a Muslim woman's face cover during a public function, describing the incident as humiliating and a stark revelation of Kumar's true character.
Reacting sharply to the Bihar episode, Abdullah said Nitish Kumar, long portrayed as a secular and amiable leader, has now exposed his "real face" before the public. "If he did not want to give the ‘order’ to the lady, he should not have given it at all. But humiliating her in front of everyone was disgusting," Abdullah said.
---Advertisement---
Drawing a parallel, the Chief Minister referenced a past incident where former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had pulled off a woman voter's veil. He clarified, however, that Kumar's action warranted unequivocal condemnation, terming it a continuation of such unacceptable behaviour.
---Advertisement---
Shifting focus to J&K's pressing issues, Abdullah addressed the Union Territory's dire financial situation, underscoring its heavy reliance on the Central government. "As a state, we used to receive a share from central and state taxes, which we no longer get. This dependence has increased significantly after J&K was downgraded to a UT," he explained, adding that his administration remains vigilant against misuse of public funds.
On tourism, Abdullah reiterated his call to reopen established destinations rather than chasing "new and hidden" spots. "Why explore uncharted areas when functional tourist places remain shut?" he questioned.
The Chief Minister also raised alarms over the power crisis, noting low generation due to insufficient water levels, which could lead to imminent cuts. He directed the Power Development Department to implement minimum disruptions and urged people to use electrical appliances judiciously.