Jammu– Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for making amendments to laws introduced during the Dogra rule in Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the party’s commitment to preserving the region’s historical legacy.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Omar accused the BJP of double standards, pointing out that while the party claims to respect the Maharaja’s rule, it has significantly altered laws enacted during his time.
“You accuse us of disrespecting the Maharaja, but tell me—who really insulted him? You changed the very map of J&K, abolished the state subject law implemented by the Maharaja. Even BJP’s Pathania Sahib once practiced under the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), a law named after Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Under which law does he practice today?” Omar questioned.
Referring to the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, he dismissed BJP’s claims that the move had brought equality to J&K. “Does this Assembly have the same powers as others? Are we truly on par with our neighboring states?” he asked.
Omar argued that the Maharaja’s state subject laws were intended to safeguard the rights of Jammu’s residents from external influences, particularly from Punjab. He challenged the BJP’s stand on equality, pointing out that similar restrictions exist in states like Himachal Pradesh, where strict land ownership and employment laws are in place. “If you want true equality, why not implement the same policies everywhere?” he asked.
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