Key Takeaways
- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismisses the significance of BJP’s ‘shadow cabinet’.
- The government of the people will run Jammu and Kashmir, with no need for a shadow cabinet.
- The upcoming agenda for the Budget session in Jammu and Kashmir includes key issues affecting the state, such as electricity, water, sanitation, and food supplies, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday dismissed the BJP’s “move to form a shadow cabinet”, asserting that there is no need for this in J&K.
He emphasized that the “government of the people” will run Jammu and Kashmir.
“The cabinet is one. There is no concept of a shadow cabinet in our country,” Abdullah made the remarks while visiting the residence of the late Ghulam Sibtain Masoodi to offer condolences.
Masoodi, who passed away on February 27, was the father-in-law of Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the brother of National Conference leader Hasnain Masoodi.
Responding to a query from reporters that BJP has “formed a shadow cabinet”, the Chief Minister, Abdullah downplayed the move, suggesting that it holds no real significance under the current political structure.
“BJP has already governed J&K and now it was time for a government of the people to run the affairs. There is no need for any shadow. We have taken a promise to fulfill the hopes of people and Inshallah (God willing) will remain steadfast on that promises,” he said.
Abdullah said that a meeting has been called in Jammu to discuss the upcoming agenda for the Budget session, where key issues affecting the J&K will be deliberated. He said the Governor’s address is scheduled for March 3 and the budget would be presented on March 7.
Abdullah also highlighted the government’s responsibility to ensure essential services, including electricity, water, sanitation, and food supplies, especially during the pre-dawn and early morning hours during the holy month of Ramadan. He said that a review meeting had been held to ensure there would be no shortages during Ramadan.
