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Former Jammu And Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference Vice-president, Omar Abdullah who arrived in Delhi for the first time since August 3 last year has clearly denied any political reasons behind the visit. Omar said he was in the capital because “I needed a change of scene and some medical follow up”
Omar took to Twitter to refute suggestions that his visit was linked to reported moves for formation of an Advisory Council which may be headed by Altaf Bukhari, leader of the Centre-friendly Apni Party set up recently.
Finally I’m in Delhi for the 1st time since 3rd August 2019. There is nothing political about my visit, whether linked to the matter above or the political advisory council reportedly being formed. I needed a change of scene & some medical follow ups & that’s why I’m here. 4/4
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 26, 2020
His comments come in backdrop of perceived differences between two senior party leaders Tanvir Sadiq and Agha Ruhullah Mehdi over the events of August 5 last which saw virtual abrogation of Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar maintained that the NC remained committed to challenging, “using all lawful means”, what happened in August last year.
A newspaper article by Sadiq, the political secretary to Omar when he was the chief minister, on the political roadmap ahead skipped any reference to Article 370 which prompted Mehdi, party’s chief spokesman, to comment, “This provokes a question in my mind. What is a political process for you? Only an election? If we go with a reason and stand our course, even being detained is a part of political process.”
Describing Sadiq and Mehdi as “valued colleagues and friends”, Omar said both were entitled “to an opinion and to disagree with each other”.
Beyond that we are a democratic party & we value all shades of opinion within our wider family though sometimes it’s better to discuss them amongst ourselves before we decide to make them public. I’ve burnt my hands a few times by not following my own advice. the NC leader said in another tweet.
“I have burnt my hands a few times by not following my own advice,” Omar wrote.
