Facing criticism from regional Opposition parties for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday defended his remarks that the Centre has been liberal with funds for the Union Territory (UT). I cannot play politics to lie, to mislead or please anyone,” Mr. Abdullah said. Mr. Abdullah recently said that PM Modi has been liberal with funding for economically disadvantaged J&K. Even if a conciliatory line was intended, taking the knee could have been accomplished in a less humiliating manner,” J&K Peoples Conference leader Sajad Gani Lone said. Besides, J&K will bear the burden because the Bill has made many amendments that put extra burdens on regions like ours,” Mr. Abdullah said.

Source: The Hindu December 20, 2025 16:20 UTC