The public rally in Sonamarg following the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel, previously known as the Z-Morh tunnel, on Monday, was marked by a notable camaraderie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Abdullah praised Modi extensively, even highlighting the PM’s photographic skills.

Here are the five key takeaways from the event:

1. Trust in PM Modi’s Promises

In his welcome speech, Abdullah emphasized the growing trust of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in PM Modi. He acknowledged Modi’s efforts to bridge the gap between “dil (heart)” and “Dilli (Delhi).” Abdullah referred to Modi’s initiatives, such as leading the International Yoga Day celebrations in Srinagar, as evidence of the PM fulfilling his promises to the region. He also praised Modi for inaugurating a separate rail division for Jammu, underscoring the importance of such infrastructure projects in fostering closer ties between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. Abdullah, who had been a vocal critic of the BJP during his campaign as part of the INDIA alliance, expressed optimism that Modi would soon fulfill his promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

2. PM Modi’s Personal Compliments to CM Abdullah

PM Modi reciprocated Abdullah’s praise, focusing on personal compliments. He highlighted Abdullah’s shared photographs of Sonamarg on social media, which Modi had reposted, and mentioned the Chief Minister’s participation in the Srinagar marathon. Modi recalled how the video of Abdullah’s participation went viral, and when they met in Delhi afterward, Abdullah’s excitement about the event was palpable. Despite the friendly exchanges, Modi avoided making a firm commitment to the statehood issue, saying, “Everything has a time, the right things will happen at the right time.”

3. A Strong Infrastructural Push

Union Minister for Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari emphasized the Modi government’s focus on infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, such as the Sonamarg tunnel, Zojila tunnel, and the four-laning of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Gadkari pointed out that these projects would not only improve connectivity but also enhance security in the region.

4. The Absence of the Srinagar MP

A notable absence from the event was Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, the MP for Srinagar, whose constituency includes Sonamarg. Despite being invited, Ruhullah chose not to attend the event, fueling speculation about growing tensions within his party, the National Conference. Ruhullah has emerged as a strong critic of his own party’s approach, and his absence may deepen the divide within the party.

5. Opposition Criticism of Abdullah

Opposition leaders took to social media to criticize Abdullah for his praise of Modi, accusing him of sidelining the political issues of Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister and PDP president, posted on X, drawing a comparison between Abdullah and the visionary leadership of the late BJP PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who, despite leading a minority government, trusted Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s vision of peace with dignity. Mufti criticized Abdullah for normalizing Delhi’s unilateral actions in August 2019, which revoked J&K’s special status.

The event highlighted both the political harmony between Modi and Abdullah and the continuing tension within the National Conference, as well as the opposition’s critical stance.