Sajad Lone criticises budget cuts for J&K; asks Omar Abdullah to seek ‘return of shawls’

Srinagar, Feb 01: In his stinging remarks on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over Jammu & Kashmir’s allocation in the Union Budget 2025-26, Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Saturday said that it is time for him to ‘seek the return of shawls gifted by him to Union Ministers and revise his cloudless weather commentary’ made at Sonamarg in Ganderbal district.

In a post on X, Mr Lone pointed out that there has been a reduction in J&K’s allocation in the Union Budget. “The proposed allocation to J&K in the Union Budget is approximately 41,000 crores. It is approximately 1,000 crore less than the previous allocation. When adjusted for inflation, it is reduced by another 2,000 to 3,000 crores,” he said.

Mr Lone said it is time for Omar Abdullah to seek the return of shawls gifted by him to BJP ministers. “I think it is time CM sahib asks for the return of those shawls, which he so slavishly gifted and wrapped around the shoulders of top echelons of BJP. I think CM sahib should also revise the cloudless weather commentary that he made in Sonmarg,” he said.

Lone added that people have voted for a deliverer and not a delivery boy. “On a serious note dear CM sahib — Chief Ministerial duties go much beyond skiing and selfies. It is a serious and pious business. Do what it takes to deliver. People have voted for a deliverer, not a delivery boy,” he posted on X. —(KNO)