Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified on Tuesday that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine ropeway project was approved by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in September 2024, before the formation of the elected government in October 2024.
Addressing the Legislative Assembly during the ongoing Budget Session, Omar categorically rejected claims that the project had been approved by his cabinet or the administrative council.
He stated, “One member had said that the cabinet had approved the ropeway project. However, it was not approved by the cabinet, and even the administrative council has no say in the matter.”
Omar emphasised that the decision rested solely with the Lieutenant Governor and accused certain individuals of misleading the House and the public on the issue. He noted that “a member, in an emotional state, had even threatened to resign due to the project.”
The remarks came a day after BJP MLA from the Mata Vaishno Devi constituency, Baldev Raj Sharma, claimed in the Assembly that the cabinet had approved the project and vowed to resign if proven wrong.
Meanwhile, protests erupted in Katra against the proposed ropeway, with locals arguing that it would threaten their livelihoods. The demonstrations also saw participation from Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Bani MLA Rameshwar Singh.
Protesters also accused BJP MLA Baldev Sharma of having vested interests in allowing the project to move forward.
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