The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) denied any intentions to join the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the National Conference (NC) following last year’s assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). BJP Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma made this statement during a press conference on Wednesday.
Sharma affirmed that the party remained “content sitting in the opposition” and had no plans to ally with the National Conference. He stated, “The BJP never offered to form a government with Omar Abdullah. If he claims so, he should show proof or stop misleading the people,” emphasizing the need for Abdullah to either provide evidence for his accusations or apologize to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah recently remarked in Achabal, Anantnag, that the NC could have allied with the BJP in 2015, akin to the alliance with the PDP, but he declined the opportunity, asserting, “I am not ready to make that trade.” This comment prompted a fierce response from Sharma, who accused Abdullah of political hypocrisy.
Sharma retorted, “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 criticized the Abdullah family as “habitual liars” who attempt to create hatred against the BJP and the Centre in Kashmir while maintaining a cordial relationship in Delhi.
Addressing Abdullah’s interactions with Union ministers, Sharma stated, “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.” He further suggested that Abdullah employs anti-BJP rhetoric as part of a broader strategy ahead of the upcoming Budgam bypolls.
Sharma also touched upon the contentious issue of statehood restoration, questioning the public’s desire for a return to a system that encourages unrest. He stated, “Do you want statehood for protests, killings, and shutdowns? The people of J&K want peace, not the politics of violence.”
In his remarks, he dismissed Abdullah’s claims of lacking administrative power. “The Lieutenant Governor has approved 97 out of 97 files sent to him. Which power are you missing?” he queried, directing a sharp critique at the Chief Minister.
Concluding his address, Sharma urged Abdullah to “focus on governance instead of fooling people.” He expressed gratitude towards the Central Government for releasing the 21st instalment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which transferred ₹171 crore to 8.55 lakh farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing a commitment to aid the region’s agricultural sector.
