Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah voiced faith on Thursday that PM Narendra Modi would not be concerned by pressure from any quarters and carry on his annual tradition of sending a “chadar” to the Ajmer Sharif dargah.
Abdullah, while talking to reporters, said, “You cannot detach religion from politics. We say that there should be a separation of the church from the state, but that does not happen. Votes are being pursued in the name of religion; politics is done in the name of religion. This is a reality that we should acknowledge. However, I hope that the prime minister does not surrender to any pressure and sends a chadar to Ajmer.”
He noted that the sentiments of people from various communities are deeply connected to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
J&K CM further added, “It is not that just the people of a specific religion visit the Ajmer dargah. While Muslims go there, many non-Muslims also visit the dargah. The sentiments of many people are attached to it.”
He also welcomed the Supreme Court’s mediation on communal disputes, saying, “Thankfully, the Supreme Court has put a stop to people trying to look for temples beneath mosques. When the court comes to an overall decision, that will be binding on everyone.”
Responding to allegations, J&K CM Abdullah rejected the notion that it was meant to affirm his Muslim identity. “I do not open my cupboard in the morning thinking, What will I wear that day? or with an aim of sending out a message. I should think (what to wear) because sometimes I get into trouble.”
I wear a Sozni cap because it is part of my heritage. I wore a pagdi in Jammu to show my respect for all cultures. It does not weaken my faith. If there is a misleading message going around, I am not doing it on purpose. I wear this cap because it suits me and keeps my head warm as my hairline is fading. I tried to put on a Karakul cap, but that does not suit me,” he added further.
Earlier, it was declared that Prime Minister Modi would give a ceremonial “chadar” to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP Minority Morcha President Jamal Siddiqui to be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the occasion of the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.Since holding office, PM Modi has continued this tradition annually, with this being the 11th consecutive year of his participation.
