Delhi: National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for missing the Iftar party hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday.
Omar posted on the micro-blogging website Twitter: “Why can't the PM just say that his religious beliefs preclude him from attending an Iftar party? I'd have far more respect for honesty.”
President's Iftar party today saw leaders from several political parties in attendance at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, but PM Modi was conspicuous by his absence, as per IANS.
The PM had a pre-scheduled meeting with chief ministers of the Northeastern states at 7 PM and hence did not come to the Iftar.
However, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley were present.
Others who attended the Iftar included vice president Hamid Ansari, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, J&K CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung and CM Arvind Kejriwal.
JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien and several diplomats were among the attendees.
In his message, the President said Ramadan was a month of blessings and forgiveness which reminds people of their duty towards the poor and less privileged as well as the need for charity and generosity towards all.
"Let us during this holy month pledge to spread love, affection and mutual trust among all. May the spirit of Ramadan instill in each one of us a sense of unity and pride in the composite culture of India," he said.
(With IANS inputs)
