Omar Abdullah Alleges BJP Offered ₹20–30 Crore, Ministry Berths to Poach MLAs; Political Storm Erupts in Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to destabilise his National Conference (NC)-led government by offering party legislators cash, ministerial positions and even assurances of restoring statehood in exchange for switching sides. The allegations, made during a party workers’ convention in Srinagar, have triggered a fresh political confrontation in the Union Territory.
Addressing party workers, Omar claimed that BJP intermediaries had approached NC MLAs with offers ranging from ₹20 crore to ₹30 crore, along with cabinet berths, if they helped the BJP form a government through defections. He further alleged that some legislators were told the Centre would expedite the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood if they joined hands with the BJP.
The Chief Minister asserted that none of his legislators would accept such inducements, declaring that the National Conference would not allow the BJP a “backdoor entry” into power. He said one MLA from the Jammu region had personally informed him about the alleged offer, adding that the party’s elected representatives would not “sell their conscience” for money or political office.
The remarks came as the National Conference formally renewed its campaign demanding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Omar argued that the Centre should not mistake the region’s patience for weakness and warned that democratic rights and constitutional commitments would remain central to the party’s political agenda. The NC has also announced a major protest programme in New Delhi later this month to press its statehood demand.
The BJP has categorically rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. Party leaders challenged Omar Abdullah to produce evidence supporting his claims or withdraw the statements, with some warning of possible legal action if the accusations remain unsubstantiated.
The controversy has reignited debate over alleged attempts to engineer political defections in Indian legislatures, often referred to by opposition parties as “Operation Lotus.” While the BJP denies engaging in such practices, Omar Abdullah’s allegations have intensified political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, where questions surrounding governance, statehood and Centre–Union Territory relations continue to dominate the political landscape.
