Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah claimed on Saturday that attempts were made to induce defections in the National Conference. He accused the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party of offering a bribe to one of his MLAs to switch sides.
Speaking to party workers in Srinagar, Omar stated that the BJP should not view the NC as vulnerable. He said its members are meant for opposition benches and will stay there.
The comments precede the NC’s planned statehood protests in Delhi, with Omar taking a sharper stance against the central government.
He recounted that an MLA from Jammu informed him a Supreme Court lawyer connected to the BJP had proposed Rs 20-30 crore, a ministerial post and statehood in exchange for defection. Omar asserted no one present would leave the party for such sums.
Omar criticised the Centre for delaying statehood restoration for Jammu and Kashmir while offering incentives to Ladakh amid its protests.
The NC plans a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, the start of Parliament’s monsoon session, to demand statehood restoration. Several INDIA bloc leaders and opposition figures from Jammu and Kashmir have been invited.
Omar noted he had risked his political future by seeking dialogue with the Centre on the issue. He said the party’s recent electoral success is being used to penalise residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
He questioned the purpose of holding elections if the elected government cannot function freely. Omar argued that if decisions were to be made solely by the Raj Bhavan, elections should not have occurred.
Despite challenges, he said the NC government continues its work for the people. He added that protests now appear necessary, contrasting the Centre’s approach to Ladakh with that toward Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar observed that while uniformity in governance is promoted, Ladakh is being offered protections under Article 371. He said the Jammu and Kashmir government should at least choose its own officers, a concession granted to Ladakh after its protests.
Recent talks between the Home Ministry and Ladakh representatives covered greater democratic roles, Article 371 safeguards and bureaucratic oversight.
Omar said he has consistently raised statehood in meetings with the Prime Minister and Home Minister, receiving assurances it would happen. Yet official responses cite an “appropriate time,” whose measure remains unclear.
He criticised repeated elections held on statehood promises, noting local body polls would occur when deemed suitable. Panchayat elections last took place in 2018, with terms now expired.
The BJP rejected the claims as unfortunate and misleading. Former state BJP president Ravinder Raina said Omar’s remarks contradict his earlier praise of central funding. He suggested the allegations aim to deflect from internal corruption accusations.
BJP MLA RS Pathania asked why the matter was not reported to the Anti-Corruption Bureau if a serious bribery attempt occurred.
