CM Omar Abdullah unlinks Govt from ‘Vande Mataram’

Budgam, Nov 7: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that his government had not authorised the celebration of the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ in schools, asserting that there would be no outside interference in the governance of J&K.

“This decision has not been made by the cabinet, nor has the Education Minister signed off on it. We should decide what happens in our schools without outside dictation on these matters,” CM Omar told reporters while campaigning in central Kashmir’s Budgam district ahead of the November 11 bypolls.

His remarks came in the wake of a recent order issued by the J&K Department of Culture on October 30, directing schools across J&K to hold commemorative events to mark the 150th anniversary of the patriotic song ‘Vande Mataram.’

The CM’s remarks appeared aimed at diffusing the controversy, as he made it clear that the proposal had not received official sanction.

“No such decision has been cleared by the government. These are sensitive issues, and we should decide them within the framework of our own governance and cultural reality,” he said.

CM Omar said that J&K’s institutions would operate “free of outside pressure” and in line with the region’s own social and educational ethos.

“No one from outside should dictate what our schools do or how we observe events,” he said.

During his campaign, the CM also responded to questions regarding the absence of the party’s Lok Sabha MP Syed Aga Ruhullah, who represents the influential Shia-majority constituency and has openly criticised the government in recent months.

“Those who wish to campaign do so voluntarily, and those who don’t, won’t. That’s perfectly fine. I don’t force anyone to campaign. But when we win, those who didn’t support us won’t share in our celebrations,” He said.

CM Omar, who vacated the Budgam assembly seat after winning from Ganderbal, prompting the bypoll, said he never wanted to contest from two constituencies.

“I had told my colleagues that I would not contest for two seats, but this is not an appropriate time to reveal everything. A day will come when all will be shared,” he said.

Expressing confidence in his party’s prospects, the CM said the National Conference was optimistic about winning both Budgam and Nagrota seats.

“We feel the situation is in our favour in both constituencies. The last few days are crucial, and we must work harder to reach out to every voter who hasn’t been contacted yet,” he said.

CM Omar said that his government’s decisions would reflect the will and values of J&K’s people, “not outside diktats or imposed directives.”