Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday rejected allegations by Waheed Para that National Conference (NC) legislators were planning to defect, calling the claims “baseless” and politically motivated.
Speaking to reporters after an event in Tangmarg, Baramulla district, Omar Abdullah said there was no dissent within the NC and asserted that none of its MLAs would leave the party. He accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of deliberately spreading misinformation.
CM Omar Abdullah also referred to disclosures made through the Right to Information Act (RTI), alleging that the PDP’s actions during last year’s Rajya Sabha elections indirectly benefited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He claimed that the PDP’s failure to appoint a chief polling agent enabled BJP leader Sat Sharma to secure a seat despite the party lacking adequate numbers.
The remarks came after Para alleged on social media that internal divisions were emerging within the NC and that some of its legislators were in touch with PDP president Mehbooba Mufti. Para had also questioned Abdullah’s stance on the government’s decision to declare Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Responding to the criticism, Omar Abdullah said his government speaks on issues when necessary and does not act based on statements from other parties.
On a separate question regarding voter deletions and electoral concerns linked to West Bengal, the Chief Minister said that disenfranchisement of voters raises serious questions, especially when legal interventions come after polling has concluded.
He also downplayed speculation about a cabinet expansion, saying it would be carried out at an appropriate time.
Addressing tourism, Abdullah said several destinations that were closed following last year’s Pahalgam attack have already been reopened, while the remaining sites will be restored in a phased manner. (KINS)
