Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Rahul Gandhi is doing exactly what the country expects from the Leader of Opposition by questioning the government and raising important issues.
Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday defended Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s aggressive approach towards the government, saying that as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi is simply fulfilling his constitutional responsibility by holding those in power accountable.
Abdullah’s remarks came after Rahul Gandhi staged a protest in New Delhi over the case of a young man who was allegedly injured by pellet gun fire during a student demonstration on July 20.
Following Gandhi’s nearly seven-hour protest, Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the alleged incident.
The protest subsequently ended outside the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police near Parliament Street in the national capital.
‘What Is the Point of Having an Opposition Leader If He Cannot Protest?’
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a Waste-to-Wonder-themed park near Polo View, Omar Abdullah defended Gandhi’s repeated protests.
Asked about Gandhi’s frequent confrontations with the government, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said:
“If the Leader of the Opposition does not protest, then what is the point of having a Leader of the Opposition?”
Abdullah argued that questioning the government and demanding answers from those in power is a fundamental responsibility of the opposition.
Omar Questions Alleged Double Standards
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also criticised what he described as different standards in the media’s treatment of opposition leaders.
He compared the coverage of Rahul Gandhi’s activities with the way questions raised by opposition leaders in Jammu and Kashmir are sometimes covered.
Abdullah referred to Sunil Sharma, the Leader of the Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir, and suggested that media organisations often appear willing to engage with or highlight questions raised by him while questioning Rahul Gandhi’s intentions when he raises similar challenges against the central government.
‘Rahul Gandhi Is Doing What the Country Expects’
Omar Abdullah said opposition leaders should not be judged by different standards.
“You cannot measure opposition leaders by different yardsticks. Rahul Gandhi is simply doing what the country expects from him.”
He emphasised that the primary responsibility of the Leader of the Opposition is to seek answers from the government and keep the administration accountable.
Abdullah also expressed hope that Gandhi would continue putting pressure on the government on important national issues.
Kishtwar Minor’s Death: Omar Calls for Swift Investigation
During the interaction with reporters, Abdullah was also asked about the death of a minor girl in Kishtwar.
The Chief Minister described the incident as deeply tragic and said he was aware of the matter.
He expressed hope that the administration and, particularly, the law-enforcement agencies would act swiftly and complete the investigation within the shortest possible time.
Abdullah said that whoever is found responsible should be brought to justice and punished according to law.
Focus on Accountability and Law Enforcement
Omar Abdullah’s comments highlighted two key issues: the role of the opposition in a parliamentary democracy and the need for prompt investigation in serious criminal cases.
While defending Rahul Gandhi’s protests as part of his role as Leader of the Opposition, Abdullah also stressed the importance of ensuring that law-enforcement agencies act quickly and that those found responsible for wrongdoing face legal consequences.
His remarks come amid continuing political debate over the role of the opposition in holding the government accountable on issues of national importance.
