“Mama Tag Suits You”: Omar Abdullah Praises Shivraj Singh Chouhan

New Delhi, April 29, 2026 – In a moment of significant political camaraderie that highlights a growing synergy between the Union Government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah publicly praised Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, calling him a “true friend and well-wisher” of the Union Territory.

The praise came during a high-profile event at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, where the two leaders gathered to inaugurate a massive push for rural connectivity. During his address, Abdullah made a notable reference to Chouhan’s famous moniker, “Mama,” suggesting that the title is well-deserved given the minister’s dedication to development.

A Meaningful Nod to a Popular Moniker

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, has long been affectionately referred to as “Mama” (maternal uncle) by the people of his home state—a title that became synonymous with his pro-people policies and accessible leadership style.

Acknowledging this legacy, CM Omar Abdullah remarked, “The people of Madhya Pradesh are not wrong in calling you ‘mama.’ That acceptance reflects the respect you have earned. If you have done even 50 percent of what you are doing for Jammu and Kashmir for Madhya Pradesh, then this tag absolutely suits you.”

Abdullah’s comments were met with appreciation, underscoring a deepening trust between the UT government and the Union Ministry. He further added, “We have not only seen you in this light but have accepted you as well. You have spared no effort in strengthening our relationship.”

Massive Infrastructure Push for J&K

The event was centered around the launch of 330 new road projects worth ₹3,550 crore under Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). These projects are set to cover over 1,600 kilometers of road network, providing vital connectivity to 363 remote habitations that have historically faced challenges in accessing healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

Highlighting the tangible impact of these initiatives, CM Abdullah stated that rural connectivity acts as a lifeline for mountainous regions. “A journey that used to take hours has now been made easier by having access to a motorable road. Tourists come here to see the cities and towns, but our hearts beat for the villages,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that the Union Territory has received approvals for projects worth a staggering ₹8,000 crore under the PMGSY in just the last year. Given this substantial financial backing, Abdullah expressed that he felt no immediate need to request further funds, choosing instead to focus on the efficient and judicious implementation of the projects already sanctioned.

“I assure you, we will start work on the approved projects in the next couple of months,” Abdullah promised. “When you are satisfied with the works, (Deputy Chief Minister) Surinder Choudhary and I will come back to you for the approval of more projects.”

Development as a Bridge

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, speaking at the event, emphasized that the Central government’s focus goes beyond mere announcements. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the objective is to deliver “tangible development” that reaches the remotest villages.

Chouhan highlighted that the infrastructure drive is not just about building roads but about “connecting hearts” and integrating Jammu and Kashmir more deeply into the national mainstream. He stressed that by leveraging integrated farming models and empowering women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)—an area where Chouhan has focused his efforts through the DAY-NRLM mission—the administration aims to create sustainable livelihoods for the people of J&K.

The minister’s visit and the subsequent praise from the Chief Minister signal a pragmatic and cooperative approach to governance, where developmental milestones take precedence over political friction.

Looking Ahead

As the J&K administration gears up to begin work on the latest batch of projects, the focus remains clear: utilizing central support to fuel the dream of a “Viksit Jammu and Kashmir” and, by extension, a “Viksit Bharat.”

For the residents of J&K’s remote villages, this collaborative effort—symbolized by the mutual respect between the state’s Chief Minister and the Union Minister—promises a future where geography no longer stands as a barrier to progress. With road connectivity paving the way, the administration is optimistic that the coming months will see a visible transformation in the lives of those living in the farthest corners of the Union Territory.