VB Fact Check: Omar Abdullah refutes claims of NC seeking US diplomat meeting in J&K
calls allegations misinformation
New Delhi: A video has been circulating across social media platforms which claims that "US diplomats met with Omar Abdullah just after elections were announced in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). They are meeting all the anti-India/Modi elements one by one."
The video along with the claim is reportedly gaining significant traction across various social media platforms.
Meanwhile, CNN News18 anchor and consulting editor Rahul Shivshankar in a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter) alleged that the National Conference had invited the US diplomats to persuade them to withdraw travel advisories issued to US citizens against visiting J&K.
Shivshankar also questioned whether the central government was aware of this meeting and whether such a meeting was necessary, suggesting that it might amount to involving third parties in India's internal affairs.
He also questioned the diplomats' separate meeting with AMIM Chief Owaisi, “Earlier U.S diplomats had thanked Owaisi for his "hospitality" and expressed appreciation for the "informed and important views on a range of shared issues and concerns" that were discussed during the visit. What were these "shared issues and concerns."? Doesn't this amount to involving 3rd parties to interlocute in Bharat's internal affairs? Would U.S like Indian envoys to hold meetings to "share concerns" with their politicians on their soil? And that too, especially in the midst of an election. And if the U.S can have meetings why aren't our diplomats doing the same? Hopefully they are. There have been no briefings by MEA to explain the context. Why?”
In a subsequent post, Shivshankar referenced a 14-year-old news article titled "WikiLeaks cable: Rahul Gandhi warned US of Hindu extremist threat." He suggested that, in light of this, there is a need to understand what exactly transpired during the recent closed-door meetings. He further questioned whether Owaisi, Rahul Gandhi, and the US diplomat shared the same concerns.
Responding to Shivshankar’s allegation, Omar Abdullah in another post called the claims out as misinformation and disinformation. He clarified that the NC did not seek out the US diplomats; rather, the diplomats had requested the meeting. Abdullah stated, “Dear Mr Shivshankar, Normally I’d ignore misinformation/disinformation that is sought to be passed off as fact but since are an editor in chief & have a leadership role in your organisation I’ll make an exception. Firstly NC did not seek a meeting with US diplomats, they reached out and asked us to meet them. Secondly you seem to be poorly informed about the procedure foreign diplomats have to follow when visiting Kashmir so I’m attaching a screenshot of a recent Indian Express article & would request you to read the part about the permissions diplomats have to take so you don’t jump to conclusions again. Lastly, I’m so glad you’ve only objected to the diplomats meeting me & not the other politicians in Srinagar. It reassures me about where I stand in the BJP/Sangh ecosystem. (SIC)”
The meeting in question reportedly took place on August 26, 2024, when US diplomats, including Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs Graham Mayer and First Secretary Gary Applegarth, visited National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah at his residence in Srinagar's Gupkar area, as reported by the Indian Express.
According to the report, Foreign diplomats visiting J&K are required to obtain special permissions from the government, specifically through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). These permissions are not granted lightly; they involve careful deliberations between the MEA, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and various intelligence agencies.
Dear Mr Shivshankar,
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 28, 2024
Normally I’d ignore misinformation/disinformation that is sought to be passed off as fact but since are an editor in chief & have a leadership role in your organisation I’ll make an exception. Firstly NC did not seek a meeting with US diplomats, they reached… https://t.co/JbYGoE1Aa0 pic.twitter.com/LhLyPvIUVs
What's going on?
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) August 27, 2024
After meeting AIMIM chief Owaisi,
U.S diplomats visit NC leader Omar Abdullah. We are told they were invited by NC to convince U.S to withdraw travel advisories issued to US citizens against visiting J&K.
Was Centre kept in loop? Couldn't Centre have… pic.twitter.com/lQBwTxd29w
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Chirag Paswan reportedly demands 36 seats, BJP offers 22 amid seat-sharing talks
Bihar elections 2025
Patna: As the countdown to the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections officially begins with the notification for the first phase issued on Friday, political maneuvering has intensified within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The spotlight is currently on Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader and Union Minister Chirag Paswan, who is demanding 36 seats, even as the BJP has so far offered only 22, The New Indian Express quoted its sources as saying.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened a meeting of senior JD(U) leaders at his official residence, 1 Anne Marg, to finalise the list of candidates. Meanwhile, LJP chief Paswan called an emergency meeting of his party’s core team at the state office to discuss seat distribution and election preparedness.
While Paswan is reportedly pressing for 36 seats, the BJP is hesitant to concede beyond 22. A final decision is expected only after the LJP's central parliamentary board convenes in the national capital.
The JD(U), on its part, is reportedly firm on retaining constituencies held by its sitting MLAs. Chirag Paswan’s party reportedly wants to contest seats like Manhar in Vaishali, Matihani in Begusarai, and Chakai in Jamui, which are presently represented by JD(U) legislators.
On the opposition front, Congress, a major ally of the opposition INDIA bloc, has moved ahead with candidate selection, clearing 25 names for seats largely seen as traditional party bastions. The list was finalised during a meeting of the party’s Central Election Committee held in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Bihar will vote in two phases, on November 6 and 11, to elect a new Assembly, with counting on November 14.
