Political rivalry should not turn into personal hostility, says Omar Abdullah
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister addressed the inauguration of a T20 cricket tournament at SKUAST-Jammu on Friday.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday that political rivalry should never turn into personal hostility. Abdullah made these remarks while inaugurating the 22nd All India Vice-Chancellor’s T20 Cricket Tournament 2026 at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) main campus.
According to the Daily Excelsior, the tournament is being hosted by the university from November 13 to 23. The event features 24 teams representing universities from across the country, including 18 teams from other states and six teams from Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, Abdullah stated that those who contest elections against him or criticise him on social media and in media interviews are political opponents but not enemies. He said he would be happy to sit with them for a cordial conversation over tea.
The Chief Minister urged the cricket participants to compete fiercely for victory but to ensure that friendship and mutual respect prevail once a match ends. He described the tournament as a contest rather than a conflict.
Abdullah noted that the initiative recognises the contribution of university employees who work behind the scenes to strengthen academic institutions. He added that the tournament provides these employees a platform to showcase their talent through sports.