CM Omar alleges bid to poach NC MLAs; BJP demands proof, threatens legal action

SRINAGAR/JAMMU, July 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to engineer defections in the National Conference (NC) by offering its legislators money, ministerial positions and the promise of restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood, prompting the BJP to demand evidence or an unconditional apology while warning of legal action.

Addressing National Conference workers at Hazratbal on the 26th death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah, Omar claimed that one of the party’s MLAs from Jammu was offered between Rs 20 crore and Rs 30 crore, a ministerial berth and statehood by a Supreme Court lawyer whom he identified as a BJP office-bearer.

“One of our MLAs from Jammu told me that a Supreme Court lawyer, who is also a BJP office-bearer, offered him Rs 20–30 crore, a ministerial berth and statehood if he joined hands with them,” the Chief Minister said.

He alleged that the BJP was trying to weaken the National Conference by luring legislators with money and political promises, asserting that no NC legislator would “sell his conscience.”

Omar also criticised the Union Government over the continued delay in restoring Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood, saying he had deliberately pursued dialogue with New Delhi after assuming office instead of confrontation.

He said the Centre had itself outlined a three-stage roadmap comprising delimitation, Assembly elections and restoration of statehood. While the first two commitments had been fulfilled, he said, the final promise remained unimplemented.

“There has not been a single meeting with the Prime Minister, Amit Shah or any senior Union minister where I have not raised the issue of statehood. Every time we are told it will happen at an appropriate time. I ask them—what exactly is that appropriate time?” he said.

The Chief Minister said the proposed July 20 protest was not merely a National Conference programme but reflected the aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir for restoration of statehood.

Paying tributes to his grandmother, Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah, Omar said she had guided the party through difficult political periods and taught that patience should never be mistaken for weakness.

Ravinder Raina dismisses CM Omar’s poaching allegations, seeks evidence in public domain

Senior BJP leader Ravinder Raina on Saturday dismissed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s allegations about BJP trying to poach upon National Conference MLAs.

Responding to the Chief Minister’s remarks on BJP’s attempt to lure NC MLAs with offer of Rs 20-30 cores, ministerial berths and other benefits, Raina, according to the news agency said, “These allegations are baseless, misleading and devoid of facts.”

“If the Hon’ble Chief Minister has any proof, it should be placed in the public domain,” Raina said.

The BJP leader maintained that allegations of such nature should be backed by credible evidence rather than political assertions, and asserted that transparency is essential in public discourse.

Raina said if the Chief Minister possesses any documentary or other material to support his allegations, it should be shared openly so that the people can judge the facts for themselves.

The remarks came amid an ongoing political exchange between the ruling National Conference and the opposition BJP over recent issues in Jammu and Kashmir.

However, Raina reiterated that allegations without evidence are an attempt to mislead the public. He called for fact-based political debate.

Raina emphasized that public representatives should exercise responsibility while making statements and avoid making unsubstantiated claims.

Meanwhile, in Jammu, BJP MLA R.S. Pathania rejected the Chief Minister’s allegations, calling them “baseless, irresponsible and politically motivated.”

Addressing a press conference, Pathania challenged Omar Abdullah to produce evidence before the appropriate investigating agencies or issue an unconditional public apology, failing which the BJP would consider initiating criminal and legal proceedings.

He questioned why neither the Chief Minister nor the alleged MLA had approached the Jammu & Kashmir Police, the Anti-Corruption Bureau or any other investigating agency if an attempt to bribe an elected representative had actually taken place.

Pathania also sought details of the alleged incident, including the identity of the BJP office-bearer, the MLA who was approached and the circumstances in which the alleged offer was made.

He accused the Chief Minister of indulging in diversionary politics instead of addressing governance-related issues and maintained that the BJP remained committed to constitutional values and would defend its reputation against what it described as false and malicious allegations. – With KNO inputs