The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) categorically denied any intention to join the National Conference (NC) government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections last year. The party’s clarification comes amidst a backdrop of political discussions regarding potential alliances within the region.
During a press conference on Wednesday, BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Sharma stated, “The BJP is content sitting in the opposition and has no plans to ally with the National Conference.” He emphasized that any claims suggesting otherwise lacked foundation.
Sharma refuted Abdullah’s recent comments made in Anantnag’s Achabal area, where the Chief Minister suggested that the NC could have allied with the BJP in 2015, similar to the alliance with the PDP. Abdullah remarked, “I am not ready to make that trade.”
The BJP’s LoP issued a warning to Abdullah, saying, “If he claims the BJP offered a government coalition, he should provide proof or stop misleading the people.” Sharma called on Abdullah to either present evidence or formally apologize to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a direct and pointed response, Sharma criticized Abdullah for what he called political hypocrisy. He accused the NC leader of trying to mislead the public, stating, “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.”
Sharma further alleged that the Abdullahs are “habitual liars” who attempt to sow discord against the BJP while maintaining cordial relations with the Centre in New Delhi. He pointed out contradictions in Abdullah’s behavior, as he meets with Union ministers in Delhi, sharing tea and shawls, yet objects to BJP’s governmental authority in Jammu and Kashmir.
The LoP accused Abdullah of using anti-BJP rhetoric as part of a larger strategy to incite division ahead of the Budgam bypolls. Sharma’s statements reflect the growing tensions between the BJP and NC as the political climate shifts in Jammu and Kashmir.
On the contentious issue of statehood restoration, Sharma expressed skepticism about returning to a governance model that has historically led to unrest. He posed a challenging question to the audience, saying, “Do you want statehood for protests, killings, and shutdowns? People of J&K crave peace, not a repeat of violent politics.”
Sharma also dismissed Abdullah’s assertions about lacking administrative capability, noting that “the Lieutenant Governor has approved 97 out of 97 files sent to him. Which power are you missing?” indicating a strong belief in the current governance structure.
He concluded his address by urging Abdullah to prioritize effective governance over misleading narratives. Sharma expressed gratitude to the Central Government for their recent financial aid, highlighting the release of the 21st instalment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which transferred ₹171 crore to support 8.55 lakh farmers across Jammu and Kashmir.
