Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's warm hospitality has become the talk of the town in the corridors of power in Jammu and Kashmir. Last week when the CM hosted members of civil society at his official residence in Jammu he not only threw open the gates of his residence for the common citizens, but also invited a team of Kashmiri Chefs (Wazas) to cook sumptuous Kashmiri Wazwan, a multi-course meal.
It was after a long gap the guests at the official residence of the Chief Minister were treated with non-vegetarian food in Jammu. In addition to this, the newly elected CM also hosted members of different delegations, resource persons heading different committees, and academicians, along with other prominent citizens at his residence.
Post Abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A, the gatherings at the Raj Bhawan hosted by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were commonly served only vegetarian meals/snacks.
A famous local caterer was also engaged by the Union Territory (UT) administration to organize lavish dinners and luncheon meetings to suit the taste buds of guests from different walks of life. The famous cuisines of different neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh were also given preference.
The traditional meat Kebabs and other non-vegetarian delicacies were replaced with Veg kebabs and other culinary delights on the regular menu.
Sharing his experience of breaking bread in the company of the CM, an eminent citizen told The Pioneer, "All those who attended the meeting were escorted by the Chief Minister himself inside the dining area where a lavish meal was served. Omar interacted with almost everyone present there and gave them a patient hearing. In the past, he remained occupied with his ministerial colleagues and other VVIP guests. But this time we met a different version of Omar Abdullah. He was more polite, courteous, and accommodating".
Former Chief Ministers Dr Farooq Abdullah, Mufti Mohd Sayeed, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Mehbooba Mufti were equally hospitable and frequently met guests at their residences to interact over lunch and dinner meetings.
