NEW DELHI: NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be affected by pressure from any quarter and will continue his annual tradition of sending ‘chadar’ to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
“You cannot separate religion from politics. We say there should be a separation between Church and State, but that does not happen. Votes are sought in the name of religion, politics is done in the name of religion. This is a reality we must accept. However, I hope the prime minister does not succumb to any pressure and send a chadar to Ajmer,” Abdullah told reporters.
He pointed out that the sentiments of people from various communities are deeply connected with Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
“It is not that only people of a certain religion visit the Ajmer dargah. While Muslims go there, many non-Muslims also visit the dargah. Sentiments of many people are attached to it,” J&K CM said.
He also welcomed the intervention of the Supreme Court on communal disputessaying: “Fortunately, the Supreme Court has put a stop to people trying to look for temples under mosques. When the court comes to a general decision, it will be binding on everyone.”
Responding to speculation about his change in dressing style, Abdullah dismissed the idea that he was seeking to affirm his Muslim identity. “I don’t open my closet in the morning thinking what I will wear that day or with the aim of sending a message. I should think (what to wear) because sometimes I get into trouble,” said J&K CM.
“I wear a Sozni cap because it is part of my heritage. I wore a pagdi in Jammu because of my respect for all cultures. It does not weaken my faith. If a message is conveyed, I do not do it on purpose. I wear this cap because it suits me and it keeps my head warm because my hairline is receding. I tried wearing a Karakul cap, but it doesn’t fit,” he added.
Earlier, it was announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would present a ceremonial ‘chadar’ to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP Minority Morcha President Jamal Siddiqui, which would be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the occasion of the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
Since assuming office, Prime Minister Modi has continued this tradition annually, this being the 11th consecutive year of his participation.