JAMMU: Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma on Tuesday dismissed recent opposition coordination efforts in Jammu and Kashmir as “drama” and “childish politics”, alleging that attempts to project unity among parties were politically motivated and lacked substance.
Reacting to reports of a proposed joint platform by opposition leaders, Sharma said he had not received any formal communication and questioned the intent behind such initiatives.
“I have not received any letter. When it comes, I will respond. But this is total drama,” he said, adding that efforts to bring leaders together were “childish” and “theatrical”.
He further alleged that political narratives in Kashmir were being “manufactured” for public consumption. “This is nothing but theatre. One side talks about dynasties, the other side creates illusions. People are being misled,” he remarked.
Sharma said that the abrogation of Article 370 had ensured equality and extended constitutional rights to Jammu and Kashmir similar to the rest of the country.
“After the removal of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured equality. Rights that existed in other states are now available here as well,” he said.
He added that demands for statehood were being politically framed, asserting that restoration of statehood remained part of the Centre’s stated agenda.
“Statehood is part of the BJP’s agenda. It will be restored at the appropriate time. It does not require political theatrics,” he said.
The LoP also launched a sharp attack on the National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance, alleging that the coalition lacked direction and was dependent on political symbolism rather than governance issues.
He claimed that opposition meetings and coordination efforts were “driven by confusion” and accused leaders of repeatedly shifting political narratives.
“They keep changing their agenda. One day it is unity, another day it is protest. There is no clarity,” he said.
Sharma also made strong allegations regarding past governance in the Union Territory, claiming that security and administrative control had earlier been misused.
He said that since recent changes in governance, the region had witnessed relative stability and improvement in law and order conditions.
“Today, there is peace and stability. Compared to earlier years, violence has significantly reduced,” he said.
Referring to past political developments, Sharma accused successive regional parties of using alliances for political convenience rather than public welfare.
He also questioned the relevance of certain opposition coalitions, describing them as “temporary arrangements without ideological base”.
“The so-called alliances are just political adjustments. They do not represent a real agenda for development,” he added.
The LoP further criticised the Congress party’s role in Jammu and Kashmir politics, alleging that it had remained dependent on regional parties for political survival in the Union Territory.
He claimed that Congress leadership in the region lacked independent political strength and functioned under influence of larger regional players.
