As the political drama in Rajasthan continues to unfurl, National Conference leader and Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah found himself in the midst of a political tug-of-war with Congress leader and incumbent Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel .

The controversy began after Bhupesh Baghel, in his interview to a leading Indian newspaper, hinted at a BJP-Pilot link to Omar Abdullah and his father Farooq Abdullah’s release from detention in Kashmir.

Bhagel pointed out that while Mehbooba Mufti, Omar & Farooq Abdullah were all booked under provisions of same law, only the Abdullahs were released from detention.

In his interview, Baghel said, “As far as Sachin Pilot is concerned, not that I have been tracking the Rajasthan events so closely, but it does make one curious why Omar Abdullah was released. He and Mehbooba Muftiji were booked under the same Sections of the law, while she is still languishing, he is out. Is it because Mr. Abdullah is brother-in-law of Sachin Pilot”

The NC leader slammed Bhupesh Baghel and labelled his comments as ‘downright malicious & false’. While claiming that he has ‘had enough’, Omar informed Baghel that he would ‘be hearing from my lawyers’.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, however, did not take this lying down. While accusing Omar of turning the ‘tragic demise of democracy into an opportune moment’, Baghel vowed to continue with his questioning.

The political slugfest did not end there, Omar then took a jibe at the Congress leader, reminding him of his party’s failure in clear judgement.

The war of words then manifested into a political war after National Congress slammed Baghel for political posturing, the statement issued by the party says, “It is within the province of public knowledge that the release of Mr Omar Abdullah happened after judicial intervention was sought from the Supreme Court and the illegal order of detention of Mr Abdullah was challenged”

In August 2019, Kashmiri Political leaders were detained by the administration under the provisions of Public Safety Act after article 370 was abrogated by the Centre.

While Farooq was released on March 13th, his son Omar was released days later on March 24th.