BJP Rules Out Any Move to Dislodge Omar Abdullah Govt

Srinagar: Amid visible resentment among several National Conference (NC) legislators over their exclusion from the Omar Abdullah-led Cabinet expansion, Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Wednesday alleged that internal divisions within the ruling party were deepening. He said the discontent that surfaced after the Cabinet expansion reflected growing unease within sections of the NC over what he described as the continuation of dynastic politics.

He said the reactions from party leaders and workers following the induction of new ministers indicate that differences within the party are now emerging in the open. The BJP leader, however, ruled out any move by his party to dislodge the Abdullah government.

Speaking to reporters here, Sharma said the developments point to an ongoing internal struggle within the NC, claiming that a section of the party has begun questioning family-centric political leadership. He argued that the dissatisfaction became evident through public statements and protests witnessed after Tuesday's oath-taking ceremony. Describing the situation as more than a routine political disagreement, Sharma maintained that the unrest signals a deeper crisis within the party and warned that the differences could eventually widen further.

Reiterating his earlier remarks about rifts within the NC, Sharma said the emerging developments vindicated his assessment. "I stand by my statement that differences exist within the party. The situation will become clearer in the coming days. If these divisions continue to grow, they could have serious consequences for both the party and the government," he said while responding to questions about the claim that NC workers are distancing themselves from the organisation.

At the same time, the BJP leader clarified that he was not claiming detailed knowledge of the NC's internal affairs. He said his observations were based on developments visible in the public domain and maintained that the evolving situation would reveal the true extent of the party's internal challenges.

Responding to speculation that the BJP had approached NC legislators amid reports of internal differences, Sharma firmly rejected the suggestion. He said the BJP had no reason to intervene in the affairs of the ruling party and pointed out that his party had already made its stand on government formation clear.

Sharma questioned why the BJP would approach legislators when it was not attempting to form the government. He maintained that the developments unfolding within the NC were entirely internal matters and asserted that the BJP had no role in the alleged differences being reported within the party.

The LoP also launched a sharp attack on NC president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah over his recent remarks concerning Pakistan. Sharma alleged that members of the Abdullah family had repeatedly made statements that, in his view, appeared sympathetic to Pakistan and certain neighbouring countries. He further linked the family's political legacy to periods of turmoil in Kashmir, and while commenting on SeniorAbdullah's latest statement, said it could stem from a variety of factors, including personal opinion, political calculation or advancing age. He argued that Farooq Abdullah had benefited from India's democratic system throughout his political career and referred to key political developments in 1975, 1987 and 1996 while making his case.

Sharma also alleged that the Congress played a decisive role in Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's return to power in 1975 and subsequently facilitated Farooq Abdullah's rise as Chief Minister. Referring to the 1987 Assembly elections, he revived allegations of electoral irregularities, an issue that continues to remain one of the most debated chapters in J&K's political history.

Turning to investigations involving the J&K Cricket Association (JKCA) and J&K Bank, Sharma questioned what he described as the slow pace of progress in both cases. He alleged that investigative agencies had failed to act decisively and called for greater accountability in matters relating to alleged financial irregularities and transactions linked to the two cases. Farooq Abdullah is an accused in the alleged ₹ 113-crore JKCA scam case.

The BJP leader also levelled allegations against Omar Abdullah in connection with the J&K Bank case and questioned why authorities had not taken action despite what he described as serious concerns. Calling for scrutiny of Farooq Abdullah's recent remarks, Sharma said neither age nor political stature should place any individual beyond accountability if statements are found to violate the law. He urged the relevant agencies to examine the matter objectively and take appropriate action in accordance with legal provisions. According to the BJP leader, the same standards of accountability should apply to all political leaders irrespective of their age, position or influence.