Statehood – Omar Abdullah Alleges BJP Offered Cash and Power to NC Legislators
Statehood – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to persuade National Conference (NC) legislators to change political allegiance by allegedly offering large sums of money, ministerial positions, and assurances related to the restoration of statehood. Speaking at the annual Madar-e-Meharban Day gathering at Hazratbal in Srinagar, Abdullah claimed such efforts reflected a renewed attempt to weaken his party while urging the Centre not to mistake the NC’s restraint for weakness.
Allegations of Attempts to Influence MLAs
Addressing party workers, Omar Abdullah alleged that certain NC legislators, particularly from the Jammu region, had been approached with attractive political and financial offers. According to him, one of the party’s MLAs personally informed him that discussions were held in which promises of ₹20 crore to ₹30 crore, a cabinet berth, and support for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood were allegedly made in exchange for joining the BJP.
The Chief Minister further claimed that the approach was made through a Supreme Court lawyer who also holds responsibilities within the BJP. He maintained that these alleged offers underestimated the commitment and principles of National Conference legislators, asserting that their loyalty could not be purchased.
Loyalty Cannot Be Bought, Says Chief Minister
Without naming individuals, Abdullah said the party’s leaders and workers remain committed to the values taught by the National Conference’s senior leadership over decades. He told supporters that no amount of money could convince party members to abandon their political convictions.
He also challenged the BJP’s alleged strategy, saying the party should not expect to gain political influence in Jammu and Kashmir through indirect methods after failing to secure public support through democratic means. He warned both the BJP and the Union government against testing the patience and dignity of the National Conference leadership.
Questions Over Different Approaches to Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir
Omar Abdullah also raised concerns over the Centre’s ongoing engagement with leaders from Ladakh regarding constitutional safeguards under Article 371. He questioned why similar discussions were not taking place with representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, especially on issues concerning governance and constitutional status.
According to Abdullah, while Ladakh’s concerns are being addressed through dialogue, Jammu and Kashmir continues to wait for meaningful discussions on restoring full statehood. He argued that the region deserves equal political attention and called for a transparent conversation on its constitutional future.
Demand for Greater Administrative Authority
The Chief Minister said the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir should have a stronger role in administrative decision-making. He stated that the present arrangement limits the authority of the elected leadership, particularly in matters related to the appointment of senior officials and governance.
He compared the administrative discussions reportedly taking place with Ladakh to the limited powers available to the Jammu and Kashmir government, saying elected representatives should have greater responsibility in managing the administration if democratic institutions are to function effectively.
Reiterates Demand for Early Restoration of Statehood
Abdullah said he has consistently raised the issue of statehood restoration during meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior Union ministers. According to him, the response has repeatedly been that the decision would be taken at an “appropriate time,” but no clear timeline has been provided.
He questioned how long the people of Jammu and Kashmir would continue to wait for the promised restoration and asked the Centre to define what constitutes the “right time.” Referring to repeated assurances, he said uncertainty over the issue has continued despite several rounds of political engagement.
Political Challenge to the BJP
Concluding his address, Omar Abdullah suggested that if the Centre intended to restore statehood only after the BJP formed a government in Jammu and Kashmir, it should publicly clarify its position. He said such transparency would remove uncertainty and allow political parties and the public to understand the government’s actual stand rather than relying on repeated assurances.