The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) categorically denied any intentions to join forces with the National Conference (NC), led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during a press conference held in Jammu on Wednesday. This declaration comes amidst ongoing political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and follows the assembly elections held over a year ago.
Sunil Sharma, MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Assembly, emphasized that the party is “content sitting in the opposition” and has “no plans to ally with the National Conference.” He firmly rebutted claims made by Abdullah suggesting otherwise, stating, “The BJP never offered to form a government with Omar Abdullah. If he claims so, he should show proof or stop misleading the people.”
Sharma insisted Abdullah provide evidence to validate his statements or retract them to avoid misleading the public of J&K, urging him to either present facts or apologize. At a recent event in Anantnag’s Achabal area, Abdullah remarked that his party could have allied with the BJP in 2015, but he chose not to engage in what he termed as a political exchange: “I am not ready to make that trade.”
In response, Sharma accused Abdullah of “political hypocrisy,” asserting, “You were the one knocking on BJP’s doors. When your recent offer was rejected, you started crying foul. This is the height of political shamelessness.” He went on to categorize the Abdullah family as “habitual liars” intent on fostering animosity towards the BJP and the Centre, all while maintaining cordial connections in New Delhi.
Sharma referenced Abdullah’s meetings with Union ministers, criticizing him for socializing in Delhi while publicly opposing BJP governance in J&K. He said, “He presents shawls, has tea, and dines with them in Delhi, but in Jammu and Kashmir, he says he won’t allow the BJP to form the government. This double-faced politics won’t work.”
As the political landscape in J&K shifts ahead of upcoming elections, Sharma accused Abdullah of using anti-BJP sentiment as part of a strategy to propagate hatred preceding the upcoming Budgam bypolls.
Addressing the contentious issue of statehood restoration, Sharma articulated concerns that people of J&K do not seek a return to a political setup that incites violence or strife. “Do you want statehood for protests, killings, and shutdowns? People of J&K want peace, not politics of violence,” he articulated.
Sharma also challenged Abdullah’s assertions regarding administrative deficiencies, noting that the Lieutenant Governor had approved all 97 files submitted for his review. “Which power are you missing?” Sharma asked pointedly.
Concluding his statements, Sharma urged Abdullah to concentrate on governance rather than misleading the public. He expressed gratitude towards the Central Government for releasing the 21st instalment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which allocated ₹171 crore to 8.55 lakh farmers across Jammu and Kashmir. This gesture, he believes, exemplifies the central government’s commitment to improving the agricultural economy in the region.
