Budgam: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday clarified that he had not authorised the observance of the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram” in schools, asserting that decisions concerning the Union Territory’s governance should not be influenced by external directives.
“This decision was neither taken by the cabinet nor approved by the education minister. Matters concerning our schools should be decided by us, without any outside interference,” Abdullah told reporters in Budgam, central Kashmir.
The J&K Culture Department had on October 30 directed schools across the Union Territory to commemorate the anniversary of “Vande Mataram.” The order drew sharp criticism from the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) — an alliance of various religious organisations — which demanded its immediate withdrawal, claiming certain verses of the song contradict Islamic beliefs in monotheism.
Abdullah made the remarks while campaigning in the Budgam assembly constituency, where elections are scheduled for November 11.
Responding to questions about the absence of National Conference MP Ruhullah Mehdi — who has represented the influential Shia community three times — Abdullah said his party never compels anyone to join campaign activities.
“Those who wish to campaign do so willingly; those who don’t, I don’t force them. But when we win, those who didn’t support us won’t share in our celebrations,” he said.
Mehdi has distanced himself from the party in recent months and has publicly criticised the government’s functioning.
Abdullah, who vacated the Budgam seat after also winning from Ganderbal, said he had initially opposed contesting from two constituencies. “I had told my colleagues that I wouldn’t contest from two seats. This isn’t the right time to reveal everything, but one day, the full story will be shared,” he remarked.
Expressing confidence of victory in both Budgam and Nagrota — where bypolls are also being held — Abdullah said the party’s prospects were strong. “We believe the situation is in our favour. In the final days of campaigning, our focus is on reaching out to every voter we haven’t yet connected with and urging them to support the National Conference,” he added.
