Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday dismissed claims about the removal of Urdu, asserting that no such decision has been taken and accusing the opposition PDP of spreading misinformation to mislead the public.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official event in Pampore, the Chief Minister said the government had only invited public feedback on a proposal and no final decision had been approved.
“There is no question of dropping Urdu. People should not spread lies. It is unfortunate that some cannot distinguish between seeking feedback and taking a decision,” Abdullah said as per KNS.
He added that critics had failed to produce any official order indicating the removal of Urdu. “What they are referring to is merely a communication inviting public comments. Misrepresenting that as a final decision is misleading,” he said.
Referring to PDP leader Iltija Mufti, Abdullah remarked that the issue was being unnecessarily politicised.
“Even educated individuals should understand the difference between a proposal under consideration and an approved decision. The file is still under review, and I have neither cleared it nor intend to do so,” he said.
The Chief Minister maintained that seeking public opinion is part of a democratic process and does not imply implementation. “Departments may send proposals, but it is the government’s responsibility to evaluate them. This matter is still under consideration,” he said.
Hitting out at the PDP, Abdullah alleged that the party was attempting to divert attention by raising the issue. He also referred to its past political positions, claiming it had supported the BJP during Rajya Sabha elections and was now resorting to “false narratives” to regain relevance.
“The attempt is to create confusion among people by focusing on emotive issues like Urdu instead of engaging constructively,” he added. (KNS)
