The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clarified on Wednesday that it holds no intentions of joining the National Conference (NC) government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah following the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections conducted last year. Sunil Sharma, BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Assembly, made this announcement during a press conference, reinforcing the party’s stable position in the opposition.
Sharma emphasized, “The BJP never offered to form a government with Omar Abdullah. If he claims so, we urge him to present evidence or cease misleading the populace.” He challenged Abdullah to clarify his statements, asserting that distorting facts could misguide the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had previously asserted that the NC could have allied with the BJP in 2015, similar to the PDP arrangement. However, he declined to consider such an alliance, stating, “I am not ready to make that trade.” Sharma responded firmly, denouncing the Chief Minister’s remarks as political hypocrisy. “You were the one knocking on BJP’s doors. When your offer was rejected, you began to complain. This represents the height of political shamelessness,” he remarked.
The LoP went on to accuse the Abdullah family of being “habitual liars”, claiming they create division against the BJP and the Central Government in Jammu and Kashmir while maintaining amicable relations in Delhi. “He interacts with Union ministers, presenting gifts, sharing tea and meals. Yet, he asserts he won’t let the BJP form the government in his state. This deceptive political strategy won’t succeed,” Sharma asserted.
Sharma highlighted Abdullah’s usage of anti-BJP sentiments as part of a systematic toolkit to foster hatred in anticipation of the upcoming Budgam bypolls. Criticizing Abdullah’s perspective on restoring statehood, Sharma argued that residents do not seek a return to a framework that engenders unrest. “Do you wish for statehood meant for protests, killings, and shutdowns? The people of Jammu and Kashmir desire peace, not a politics of violence,” he noted.
Taking a jab at Abdullah’s claims about lacking administrative powers, Sharma pointed out, “The Lieutenant Governor has approved 97 out of 97 files sent to him. What power are you actually missing?” His queries aimed to underline the functioning of the administrative machinery under the current dispensation.
Sharma ended his address by urging Abdullah to concentrate on governance rather than misguiding the public. He also expressed appreciation to the Central Government for the recent release of the 21st instalment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which allocated ₹171 crore to support 8.55 lakh farmers in Jammu and Kashmir. This funding serves as a vital lifeline for farmers in the region and signifies the government’s commitment to agricultural welfare.
