Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (PC) president and legislator Sajad Lone on Thursday accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of creating confusion over the appointment of his advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, and later shifting blame to “misleading reports.”
In a post on X, Lone wrote, “CM sahib says that someone has been spreading misleading reports about the appointment of his advisor. But isn’t it CM sahib who started it all and scripted the misleading reports during a talk with an NC Halqa President?” He mocked the situation, asking whether it was “Markaz ki chaal or CM sahib ki chaal,” while remarking that the government was redefining hilarity with “clownery” instead of governance.
The controversy began when Abdullah admitted his government faced difficulties in fulfilling promises and mentioned that Wani was acting as his advisor without Lieutenant Governor approval and without pay. Reports interpreted this as Wani lacking official confirmation. To clarify, the Union Territory government recirculated the official order signed by Abdullah appointing Wani as his advisor.
Lone, however, insists Abdullah himself fueled the confusion before blaming others. Meanwhile, the chief minister has held “misleading reports” responsible for the misunderstanding.
It is noteworthy that Wani has been functioning as Abdullah’s advisor since October 2024, soon after the elected government assumed power. He has been handling public grievances and engaging with citizens across the Union Territory.
The row highlights the fragile political environment in J&K, where opposition voices like Lone continue to question the government’s credibility and decision-making. The incident has added a fresh twist to ongoing political sparring between the ruling National Conference and its rivals.
