Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday rejected the Peoples Democratic Party’s allegation that his government had removed Urdu as the official language and medium for revenue records and certain department exams.

Addressing the media, Abdullah accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation. “This party (PDP) has nothing to say other than trying to sell lies. When did I order that Urdu should be dropped?” he said.

CM cites proposal, says no approval given

Abdullah clarified that while a proposal to drop Urdu exists, it has not been cleared. “That was not an order dropping Urdu as the official language or as the medium of revenue records. I can give you the number and date of the letter seeking public response. Let them show the order through which we have dropped Urdu,” he said.

He added that the file proposing the move remains pending. “That file is on my table. I have not approved it and nor am I going to approve it in the future,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister also defended the government’s decision to seek public opinion on the matter, saying, “As an elected government it is our duty to seek public response.”

PDP cites letter, alleges policy change

The remarks came days after PDP leader Iltija Mufti held a press conference, displaying what she described as an official letter. She claimed it showed a government decision to drop Urdu as the official language in revenue records and as a compulsory paper in some revenue department examinations.

Responding to her comments, Abdullah said, “Iltija Mufti is a young girl, but she is educated. What should we do to educate her more? Should we hold tuition classes for her.”

Wider political sparring continues

Abdullah also dismissed claims that Urdu was being given a step-motherly treatment by the administration.

The PDP has repeatedly criticised the National Conference-led government, alleging ‘anti-people decisions’. The party has objected to the installation of electric meters to curb power pilferage and has also targeted the government over the issue of free electricity for Below Poverty Line households.

The Chief Minister has said such families are entitled to 200 units of free electric power.