New Delhi:
Minutes after Rahul Gandhi expressed his support for Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir expressed his thanks. "I am grateful to Rahul," Omar said.
At a press conference in West Bengal, Gandhi said Omar "needs time and support". He also ruled out his intervention in the Jammu and Kashmir crisis - more than 70 civilians have been killed in the last three months.
(Read - Kashmir not part time job, must give Omar time: Rahul Gandhi)"The government has supported Omar Abdullah. National Conference is the party in power. He is a youngster. Kashmir is a difficult place" said Gandhi.
Responding to whether he will intervene in the crisis, Gandhi said, "Kashmir is not a part time problem, it is a full time problem."
Earlier this week, the union government in an official statement said it acknowledged the "governance-deficit" in Jammu and Kashmir. The remark was seen as a snub to Omar, and provoked speculation over whether Omar would resign as Chief Minister. However, sources close to him have denied this.
Leaders of all major political parties attended a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister yesterday. An all-party delegation will visit J&K soon.
(With PTI inputs)