Syed Adnan
Omar Abdullah Thursday addressed the media in Srinagar for the first time since taking over as the J&K chief minister. It wasn’t an ordinary event, even though one may well argue that it was no more than a press conference with nothing substantial to offer. But even without the press conference offering any substantial output on critical matters facing the UT, I still believe the event was a big deal in the given circumstances for a host of reasons.
One, despite knowing that he has nothing substantial to share with the media on key issues like statehood, the chief minister came forward to share his concern that restoration of statehood remains an issue as promised by the Prime Minister as well as the Home Minister on the floor of the Parliament. In the present circumstances, this is the only thing Omar has to offer on this because it is way beyond his reach to do anything at his level to restore the Statehood. His remarks that “Delhi must get the first opportunity” to restore Statehood before his Government moves the court is a clear olive branch to Delhi. It signifies Omar Abdullah’s intent to pursue things in an amicable manner despite all the disappointments from New Delhi so far. It goes without saying that New Delhi has so far not cooperated with the Omar-led government despite making tall claims of working closely with him. This makes Omar get away with any criticism because things have been kept out of his purview, power and reach. So the onus to take responsibility for any criticism on governance largely lies with New Delhi until the Statehood is restored and Omar is held accountable in that arrangement for any lapses.
Second, the presser indicated Omar’s desire to keep the media posted on the status of governance and his political stance on J&K. He could have easily avoided interaction with the media. He wasn’t obliged to come before the press as early as this. But this marks the beginning of his interaction with the media to understand the issues and concerns of people at large. This includes issues related to electricity, Statehood, Article 370, winter preparedness, review of cases of termination of govt employees, among others. If not anything, such questions also make Omar understand that these are the issues that need resolution and are weighing heavily on people’s minds.
Third, the presser makes Omar to make his presence felt as an elected chief minister. For most of the time, the air and print space may not go in Omar’s favour in view of “dual power control” but such interactions are a reminder to the reluctant bureaucracy too that there is a popular government in place regardless of their reluctance to co-operate with it.
Finally, the press conference is an opportunity for Omar Abdullah to learn and move on with the learnings. Journalists have a larger view of ground realities. Despite few media men trying hard to revolve the press conference around Syed Agha Ruhulla and his stance on several contentious matters, they couldn’t get a headline here. The headline still was the Statehood plea which speaks of people’s innate desire to see the UT back as State. It is time for NC to pursue this cause vigorously, and also time for New Delhi to reciprocate to the larger public demand. For once, I again feel today’s presser by the Chief Minister was a big deal, even though people have the right to agree to disagree with Omar’s views on matters.
(NOTE: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Kashmir Dot Com, its editorial staff, or its affiliates. KDC does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any claims made in this opinion piece.)
