J&K: CM Omar Abdullah gets rare praise from BJP MLAs for Amarnath Yatra fund allocation
Times of India
by NASEER GANAIFebruary 13, 2026
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In a rare display of unity, BJP MLAs in Jammu and Kashmir have praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his decision to allocate Rs 180 crore in the budget for the Amarnath Yatra. This move has been widely seen as a positive step toward fostering integration and unity in the region. The allocation aims to enhance pilgrimage infrastructure, improve road connectivity, and ensure better safety measures for pilgrims visiting the holy site. MLAs highlighted that this reflects a shift in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, with a growing emphasis on mainstreaming and national identity.
The BJP MLAs, including Pawan Gupta from Udhampur West, Balwant Singh Mankotia, and Vikram Randhawa, acknowledged the importance of supporting such initiatives that benefit pilgrims. They emphasized that while the party remains critical of the government on various issues, constructive decisions like this deserve appreciation. Gupta linked the move to broader changes in Jammu and Kashmir, noting a shift from earlier demands for special status to a focus on Indian identity and national unity.
Omar Abdullah's budget speech underscored his commitment to improving the spiritual experience and safety of pilgrims. He proposed modernizing pilgrimage infrastructure with the help of the Border Roads Organization, aiming to make the Amarnath Yatra safer and more dignified. This decision was welcomed by MLAs as
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/13/2026