Omar Abdullah Alleges BJP Attempted to Poach NC MLAs
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of offering Rs 20–30 crore to poach legislators from his National Conference party. In a statement that has sparked political controversy, Abdullah claimed that a sitting MLA from the Jammu region informed him about the alleged bribe attempt.
“Allah is witness that one of my Jammu MLAs came and told me about it,” Abdullah said, referring to the alleged offer. He did not name the MLA but asserted that the information was credible and came directly from a party member.
Details of the Allegation
According to Abdullah, the BJP approached the NC MLA with an offer of between Rs 20 crore and Rs 30 crore to switch sides. The former chief minister described this as a desperate attempt by the BJP to destabilize the National Conference ahead of upcoming elections in the union territory. “They think they can buy loyalty with money. But our MLAs are not for sale,” he added.
The allegation comes amid heightened political activity in Jammu and Kashmir, where the BJP has been trying to expand its footprint. The National Conference, a key regional party, has been vocal about its opposition to the abrogation of Article 370 and the downgrading of the state to a union territory.
Political Reactions and Context
The BJP has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and a diversionary tactic. A party spokesperson said, “Omar Abdullah is making false claims to cover up his own party’s internal problems. The BJP believes in democratic politics, not horse-trading.”
Political analysts note that poaching of MLAs has been a recurring issue in Indian politics, especially in states with fragile coalitions. Jammu and Kashmir has seen several such allegations in the past, with parties accusing each other of trying to destabilize governments through bribes or threats.
Omar Abdullah’s statement is likely to intensify the war of words between the NC and the BJP. The former CM has been a sharp critic of the central government’s policies on Jammu and Kashmir, and this new allegation adds to the tension.
Impact on Jammu and Kashmir Politics
The allegation has raised questions about the stability of political alliances in the region. While the National Conference remains a strong force in the Kashmir valley, the BJP has made inroads in the Jammu region. If the poaching attempt is proven, it could damage the BJP’s reputation and strengthen the NC’s narrative that the central government is trying to undermine regional parties.
Omar Abdullah has called for a probe into the matter, though he did not specify whether he would approach the Election Commission or other authorities. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve to know the truth,” he said.
