The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday launched a poster campaign targeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is reportedly on a private visit to London. The posters describe the chief minister as 'missing' and seek 'information about his whereabouts'.
Posters Circulated on Social Media
The posters were shared on the official social media handles of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP and widely circulated on WhatsApp. They claim that the 'missing person holds the office of CM' and has not been seen for ten days. According to the posters, Omar was last seen on May 11 while laying the foundation for the restoration of the Mughal-era Malshahi Mosque in Ganderbal, near Srinagar.
BJP Spokespersons' Statements
BJP state spokesperson Sajid Yousuf Shah stated that the National Conference (NC) had not issued any statement regarding the chief minister. 'There are reports he is in London. The chief minister has every right to travel wherever he wants, but the people of Jammu and Kashmir have not elected him for the things and activities he is engaged in. He is a frontrunner in marathons. In exactly the same way, he is running away from his responsibilities,' Shah said, alluding to Omar's regular participation in marathons over the years.
Another BJP spokesperson, Altaf Thakur, warned that the poster campaign would not be confined to social media and would be taken to the streets. 'The chief minister is answerable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is surprising there is no report about him for ten days,' Thakur said.
NC's Response
Omar's father and NC president Farooq Abdullah scoffed at the posters, saying the BJP has nothing better to do in Jammu and Kashmir than launch such campaigns. 'We are not here to answer them,' the former chief minister said.
