CM Omar Abdullah dismisses claims of sudden venue shift for crucial political meeting

Alfaaz – The Words Desk

Srinagar, Jun 03: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday rejected reports suggesting that a scheduled crucial meeting of ministers, legislators and Members of Parliament was shifted at short notice from his Gupkar residence.

Taking to blogging site X, the Chief Minister said the meeting was always planned as an off-site exercise and the venue had been decided in advance. He said arrangements were completed several days earlier and there was no abrupt change in location.

In his first post, Omar Abdullah wrote, “We are off for an off-site to spend the day taking stock of the last 19 months, the good, the not so good and everything in between.”

In a subsequent post, he added, “I am sorry to disappoint you but it has NOT been shifted at the last moment. It was always my intention to conduct this meeting off-site and all arrangements have been made, days in advance, at the location originally chosen by me.”

The statement came after reports and public discussion regarding the movement of participants from the Gupkar residence purportedly to Chashma Shahi for the meeting.

The interaction has drawn attention in political circles, with indications that it is aimed at reviewing legislative coordination and assessing emerging political narratives around the ruling alliance.

Independent legislators supporting the National Conference-led government have been invited to the meeting even as Congress legislators, who extend outside support to the government, have not been included.

The timing of the meeting has also generated interest, coming days after Omar Abdullah indicated he would make significant political remarks following Eid-ul-Adha.

Notably, the Chief Minister recently held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, where governance issues, restoration of statehood, rationalisation of reservations, and administrative matters were discussed.