The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday categorically denied any plans to join the National Conference (NC) led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah following the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir last year. In a press conference, BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma stated that the party is content with its opposition status and has no intentions of forming an alliance with the NC.
Sharma firmly asserted, “The BJP never offered to form a government with Omar Abdullah. If he claims otherwise, he must provide evidence or cease misleading the people.” His remarks follow Abdullah’s earlier statements claiming that a collaboration with the BJP could have been possible, akin to the arrangement made with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, which Abdullah declined, stating, “I am not ready to make that trade.”
In a sharp retort, Sharma criticized Abdullah, accusing him of political hypocrisy. He remarked, “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.” The back-and-forth reflects the escalating tensions between the two political factions in the union territory.
Sharma’s comments further extended to allegations of the Abdullah family being “habitual liars,” suggesting that they propagate hostility against the BJP and the Central government while maintaining amicable relations in Delhi. He pointed out, “He presents shawls, has tea, and dines with them in Delhi, but in Jammu and Kashmir, he claims he won’t allow the BJP to form the government. This double-faced politics won’t work.”
Highlighting Abdullah’s political strategy, Sharma claimed Abdullah employs anti-BJP rhetoric as a “toolkit to spread hatred” particularly concerning the upcoming Budgam bypolls.
Amidst discussions surrounding statehood restoration, Sharma underscored that the people of Jammu and Kashmir seek peace rather than returning to systems that incite unrest. “Do you want statehood for protests, killings, and shutdowns? The people of J&K want peace, not politics of violence,” he asserted.
Further addressing Abdullah’s assertion of lacking administrative powers, Sharma questioned, “The Lieutenant Governor has approved 97 out of 97 files sent to him. Which power are you missing?” This statement aimed to dismantle Abdullah’s narrative of powerlessness within the political framework.
In concluding his remarks, Sharma urged Abdullah to focus on governance rather than misleading the public, expressing gratitude toward the Central Government for its financial support to farmers. He announced the release of the 21st instalment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which disbursed ₹171 crore to 8.55 lakh farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating the government’s commitment to uplifting the agricultural sector.
