BJP Leader Sunil Sharma Launches Political Attack on NC Government at Srinagar Rally
At a significant induction rally held in Srinagar on Saturday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) positioned its leader of opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, Sunil Sharma, to spearhead a forceful political assault against the Omar Abdullah-led government. Sharma, who represents the Paddar constituency in Kishtwar district, addressed hundreds of party workers in a dynamic mix of Urdu and Kashmiri, directly accusing the ruling National Conference (NC) of engaging in "doublespeak" regarding Kashmir and failing to fulfill critical promises related to employment and welfare schemes.
Accusations of Government Hypocrisy and Failed Commitments
Sunil Sharma did not mince words as he criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for what he described as contradictory statements made in Delhi versus those delivered in Kashmir. "He says one thing in Delhi and another in Kashmir," Sharma told the gathering, emphasizing that NC leaders allegedly portray Kashmiris negatively before the central government while publicly expressing sympathy for their struggles in the Valley. "Why don't people see this doublespeak?" he questioned, urging attendees to recognize the perceived hypocrisy.
Furthermore, Sharma accused the NC of exploiting Kashmiri sentiments after failing to meet economic commitments, including pledges for job creation and providing 200 units of free electricity. He specifically alleged that the government had outsourced 24,000 jobs to an undisclosed company, vowing that "BJP will come on roads against such clandestine recruitments."
Historical Parallels Draw Controversy and NC Backlash
The opposition leader's remarks took a particularly contentious turn when he drew a parallel between two pivotal moments in Kashmir's history: the 2010 unrest and the events of July 13, 1931. Sharma referenced the 2010 period, during which over 100 civilians, including teenagers like 13-year-old Wamiq Farooq and 17-year-old Tufail Mattoo, were killed in protests and clashes. He claimed that Omar Abdullah had justified these killings by labeling them as part of a "rebellion" against his then-government.
In contrast, Sharma invoked July 13, 1931, when 22 people were shot dead by Maharaja Hari Singh's forces outside Srinagar jail during protests against Dogra rule—a date commemorated as 'Martyrs' Day' in Kashmir. He pointed out that while NC remembers those killed in 1931 as martyrs, it charged individuals like Wamiq and Tufail from 2010 with rebellion, stating "we need to reflect on this."
NC Spokesperson Dismisses Allegations as Narrative Manufacturing
In response, NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar firmly dismissed Sharma's allegations, counter-accusing the BJP of "manufacturing narratives" to sway public sentiment. Dar highlighted that the BJP has itself failed to deliver on its promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Regarding July 13, 1931, he asserted that the day symbolizes Kashmiri resistance against monarchy and the assertion of Kashmir's identity, not a tool for political manipulation.
"BJP is trying to build a fake narrative around it. They are trying the same with the events of 2010 to arouse sentiments in Kashmir in their favour," Dar stated, rejecting the parallels drawn by Sharma as misleading and politically motivated.
BJP Highlights Growing Support Through Influx of New Members
Amidst the political sparring, the BJP's J&K chief and Rajya Sabha member, Sat Sharma, welcomed new entrants into the party from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), NC, and Congress. He characterized this steady influx of leaders and workers from diverse sections in Kashmir as a clear indication of the party's widening base and increasing influence in the region.
The rally underscored the intensifying political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, with both major parties leveraging historical events and current grievances to bolster their positions ahead of future electoral contests.
