Omar Alleges ₹20 to 30 Crore Defection Bid to Topple NC Government

• CM Omar Abdullah Alleges Bid to Destabilise NC Government, Claims MLA Offered Money and Ministerial Berth to Defect

Srinagar, July 11: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday alleged that attempts are being made to destabilise the National Conference-led government by offering inducements to its legislators, including large sums of money, ministerial positions and assurances linked to the restoration of statehood.

Addressing National Conference workers during the 26th death anniversary observance of Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah, popularly remembered as Madar-e-Meharban, at Hazratbal, Omar Abdullah claimed that one of the party’s legislators from Jammu had been approached with an offer ranging between Rs 20 crore and Rs 30 crore, along with a ministerial berth, if he agreed to leave the National Conference.

According to the Chief Minister, the alleged offer also included a promise regarding restoration of statehood, which, he said, reflected an attempt to use the long-pending demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for political manipulation.

“They are trying once again to break the National Conference. I have been told that one of our MLAs from Jammu was offered Rs 20 to 30 crore, a ministerial berth and a promise of statehood if he joined them. They think people’s conscience is so cheap,” Omar Abdullah alleged while addressing party workers.

He accused political opponents of attempting to engineer defections rather than respecting the mandate given by the people in the Assembly elections. He said such efforts were aimed at weakening an elected government and disturbing the democratic choice expressed by voters.

Omar Abdullah said the National Conference had faced difficult political situations in the past and had survived because of its organisational strength, public support and commitment to democratic principles. He asserted that attempts to break the party through pressure, inducement or political intrigue would not succeed.

The Chief Minister said the party had shown patience over the issue of statehood restoration, despite repeated delays and assurances. However, he warned that the National Conference’s restraint should not be misunderstood as political helplessness.

“Our patience is not our weakness. It is our strength. But if someone mistakes it for surrender, they are mistaken,” Omar Abdullah said.

Reiterating that restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood remains the foremost political demand of the National Conference, Omar said the party would continue to pursue the issue through peaceful, constitutional and democratic means. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had waited long enough for the return of their full democratic rights and constitutional position.

The Chief Minister announced that the National Conference would hold a programme on July 11 as part of its continuing political outreach and would also propose a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, subject to permission, to press for restoration of statehood.

He said the party’s demand was straightforward and rooted in the aspirations of the people. “Our demand is simple: restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. We will continue to raise our voice peacefully until justice is delivered,” Omar Abdullah said.

Referring to Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah’s political and social contribution, Omar said she stood firmly with the National Conference during some of the most challenging periods in Jammu and Kashmir’s history. He said her life symbolised courage, patience, resilience and loyalty to democratic values.

He said Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah’s legacy continues to inspire the party to remain steadfast in difficult times and to protect the interests, dignity and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar Abdullah told party workers that the National Conference must remain united, alert and committed to its political principles. He said the party’s struggle was not for power alone, but for the restoration of rights, dignity and democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister maintained that any attempt to destabilise an elected government through alleged inducements would be resisted politically and democratically. He said the people had given their mandate with trust and that mandate must be respected.

He further said the National Conference would not be distracted from its agenda of governance, public welfare and restoration of statehood. The party, he added, would continue to work for peace, development and constitutional justice while resisting any move aimed at weakening democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.