Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday strongly rejected allegations of “backdoor appointments” levelled against the National Conference-led government and accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of spreading “baseless and misleading narratives” to divert public attention from developmental initiatives.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister challenged PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and her party leaders to provide even a single instance of alleged illegal recruitment carried out by his government.
“There is a clear difference between backdoor appointments and outsourcing. Outsourcing is undertaken under proper government schemes and established administrative mechanisms,” Omar Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister asserted that the allegations were politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary confusion among the public. He said the opposition was attempting to distract attention from the government’s ongoing infrastructure and welfare initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir.
Refuting claims related to transfer postings and alleged political interference, Omar Abdullah termed the accusations “factually incorrect.” Clarifying a recent controversy, he said, “Shami Oberoi is the Treasurer of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and does not hold any ministerial position.”
He urged opposition leaders to verify facts before making public statements, alleging that repeated accusations by the PDP were part of a deliberate attempt to derail governance-focused discourse in the Union Territory.
Highlighting developmental works in his constituency, the Chief Minister said infrastructure and public welfare projects in Ganderbal have accelerated since his electoral victory. He particularly stressed improvements in the healthcare sector, announcing that new diagnostic machines would soon be installed at District Hospital Ganderbal.
According to Omar Abdullah, medical tests that currently cost patients between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000 at private facilities would soon be available at significantly subsidised rates ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 800 at the government hospital.
He said the healthcare initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy for balanced and sustainable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister further revealed that discussions have already been held with senior ministers and officials to expedite pending developmental works in the region.
Reiterating his government’s priorities, Omar Abdullah said the administration remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, improving healthcare facilities, enhancing public services and promoting youth welfare.
“Regular field visits are being conducted to ensure timely completion of projects and effective implementation of development plans in Ganderbal and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
