The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) refuted claims of ever intending to join the National Conference (NC) government under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The statement came during a press conference held on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sunil Sharma, BJP’s MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Assembly, stated the BJP remains satisfied in its role as the opposition party. “The BJP never offered to form a government with Omar Abdullah. If he claims otherwise, he should present proof or stop misleading the people,” Sharma asserted.
Omar Abdullah, during a recent address in Anantnag’s Achabal area, mentioned the possibility of forming a coalition with the BJP back in 2015, likening it to the PDP’s alliance, but insisted he rejected that offer, stating, “I am not ready to make that trade.”
Sharma responded decisively, accusing Abdullah of political hypocrisy. “You were the one knocking on BJP’s doors. When your offer was rejected, you started crying foul. This is the height of political shamelessness,” Sharma remarked.
He labeled the Abdullahs as “habitual liars”, claiming they foster hostility towards the BJP and the Central government in Kashmir while maintaining amicable relations in New Delhi. Sharma referred to Abdullah’s interactions with Union ministers as superficial, saying, “He presents shawls, has tea, and dines with them in Delhi, but here in Jammu and Kashmir, he claims he won’t allow the BJP to form the government. This double-faced politics won’t work.”
Sharma’s criticism extended to allegations that Abdullah employs anti-BJP rhetoric as part of a strategy to incite animosity ahead of the upcoming Budgam bypolls.
Addressing the contentious topic of statehood restoration, Sharma expressed the public’s desire for peace rather than a return to unrest. “Do you want statehood for protests, killings, and shutdowns? The people of J&K want peace, not politics of violence,” he stated.
In a further critique of Abdullah’s claims regarding administrative limits, Sharma urged the CM to examine facts. “The Lieutenant Governor has approved 97 out of 97 files sent to him. What power are you lacking?” Sharma asked.
Sharma concluded the press conference by urging Abdullah to focus on governance rather than misleading the public. He expressed gratitude towards the Central Government for the timely release of the 21st installment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, mentioning the transfer of ₹171 crore to 8.55 lakh farmers across Jammu and Kashmir.
