J&K Parties Criticize Lack of Protocol for CM Omar Abdullah During Amit Shah’s Visit

Quick Summary

• Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have criticized the perceived lack of proper protocol extended to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to flood-affected areas in Jammu on September 1, 2025.
• Viral pictures on social media show Mr. Abdullah standing several meters away from Mr. Shah as the latter was briefed about the flood situation by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, and BJP leader Sunil Sharma near tawi river.
• PDP leader Iltija Mufti called it “deeply unfortunate,” emphasizing that political differences aside, Mr. Abdullah represents all citizens as an elected Chief Minister deserving better treatment.
• Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed noted disrespect toward the Chief Minister undermines institutional credibility, while Jai Sidh Bhalla of J&K Youth Congress called it an insult not only to Mr. Abdullah but also to voters who elected him.
• the ruling National Conference (NC) has refrained from commenting directly but expressed objection over L-G Manoj Sinha attending a BJP meeting chaired by Mr. Shah during his visit.

Indian Opinion analysis
The criticism surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s interactions with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reflects underlying tensions between state-level and central authorities in Jammu and Kashmir-a region with a complex political history post-abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. While official protocol adherence may seem procedural, such incidents frequently enough have larger symbolic implications for cooperative governance and institutional respect.

Viral images showing perceived sidelining could fuel narratives regarding partisanship or undermine public trust in coordination mechanisms between elected leaders like Mr.Abdullah and bureaucratic figures like L-G Manoj Sinha during critical challenges such as disaster management efforts following floods.Moreover, highlighted concerns regarding L-G’s involvement in BJP-specific meetings reinforce ongoing debates about neutrality within administrative offices-a discussion that matters considerably for a sensitive state like Jammu & Kashmir where perceptions drive much political discourse.Link for read more: The Hindu