New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has firmly denied allegations that he attempted to form an alliance with the BJP in exchange for the restoration of statehood. His response came after opposition leader Sunil Sharma repeated accusations that Abdullah approached BJP leaders in Delhi earlier this year with an offer to partner for government formation.
In a social media post, Abdullah dismissed the claims and insisted he had never approached the ruling party at the Centre for any political arrangement. He criticised Sharma for spreading what he described as deliberate falsehoods and said the allegations were designed to mislead the public during the ongoing political campaign.
Sharma, speaking at an election meeting in Budgam, had stated that Abdullah held discussions in Delhi in 2024 and expressed willingness to join hands with the BJP if statehood was restored. He challenged the chief minister to publicly swear that no such meeting took place. Sharma has also maintained that Abdullah attempted a similar approach in 2014 after a fragmented assembly verdict left Jammu and Kashmir facing a hung house.
According to Sharma, the BJP leadership rejected Abdullah’s reported overture, insisting that the party had been tasked with sitting in the opposition at that time. He accused the National Conference of operating with double standards and attempting to block political changes in Kashmir through what he described as outdated strategies.
The chief minister has recently sharpened his criticism of the BJP, saying his party remains the primary force resisting the ruling party’s influence in the region. He has repeatedly argued that the National Conference is the only organisation offering a clear alternative to what he views as centralising policies imposed by Delhi.
At another rally in Budgam, Sharma reiterated that the National Conference had previously sought opportunities to align with the BJP but was turned down due to ideological differences. He accused the party of misleading voters and engaging in political manoeuvres that contradict its public statements.
The exchange has added a charged tone to the current election atmosphere, with both sides trading strong accusations as they seek to rally supporters across Jammu and Kashmir.
