Srinagar, June 13 (KNS): BJP General Secretary Ashok Koul on Friday said that Omar Abdullah is the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and holds equal powers, rejecting Abdullah’s recent remarks that he functions as a “Union Territory CM” without authority.

Koul said that no one has curtailed the chief minister’s powers and that Abdullah continues to have full administrative authority. “He is our chief minister. He has equal power. No one’s power has been cut,” Koul said, addressing media questions in Srinagar.

Responding to Omar Abdullah’s claim that he was being prevented from working effectively, Koul said that such statements indicate an unwillingness to work. “Saying that you are not being allowed to work means you don’t want to work,” he said.

Koul also referred to infrastructure developments in Jammu and Kashmir over the last decade, including the 395-meter-high bridge over the Chenab River and a rope bridge.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe said freight trains are now running from Srinagar to cities like Bandra in under 30 hours, marking logistical improvements in the region.

When asked about the deputy chief minister’s role, Koul said the deputy CM does not hold independent authority and there is no obstruction to the chief minister’s functioning. “The deputy CM is nothing. No one is stopping him. Tell me who is stopping him?” he said.

He said the absence of both the chief minister and the power minister during a recent Union minister’s visit did not hinder any official interactions. Koul also said the Prime Minister has assured that statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir.

“There are so many departments in the administration. If the chief minister runs these departments, the state will progress,” he said.(KNS).