Jammu: A fresh political sparring match broke out between the ruling National Conference (NC) and the Opposition BJP on Saturday after Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of being more interested in retaining power and privileges than securing the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing media persons in Jammu, Sharma launched a sharp attack on the National Conference leadership, claiming that the party’s politics revolved around power rather than the aspirations of the people.
“Abdullahs do not resign. Omar Abdullah would settle for anything below statehood as long as there is no cut in protocol,” Sharma said, alleging that the National Conference was not genuinely committed to the demand for restoration of full statehood.
The BJP leader further claimed that the NC had historically prioritised political positions and privileges over public interest and accused the ruling party of attempting to create confusion on constitutional and administrative issues.
Sharma reiterated that the BJP remained committed to development, transparency and strengthening democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
The remarks came amid intense political speculation surrounding a meeting called by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with National Conference legislators, triggering debate within political circles over its agenda and significance.
Soon after Sharma’s comments, Omar Abdullah appeared to hit back through a post on social media platform X without naming the BJP leader directly.
“I love how the people who know the least about the meeting I’ve called with my MLAs are talking the most. Remember one thing — those who know don’t speak and those who speak sit in the opposition,” Omar wrote.
The Chief Minister’s remarks were widely seen as a response to opposition criticism and speculation regarding the purpose of the meeting.
The exchange has further intensified the political discourse surrounding the issue of statehood restoration, which remains one of the most significant political demands in Jammu and Kashmir. While the National Conference continues to press for the restoration of statehood, the BJP has repeatedly accused the party of using the issue for political purposes.
The latest verbal duel reflects the growing political contest between the ruling NC and the BJP-led opposition ahead of what is expected to be a crucial phase in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.
