Srinagar, April 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of delaying the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is being treated as a “punishment” for how people voted.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came after Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma alleged that the Abdullah government was marked by “inaction, corruption, and misplaced priorities.”
The Opposition leader said on Friday, “Statehood will be restored in due course, but it cannot be linked to any one leader becoming Chief Minister.”
In response, Abdullah said that the BJP had become uneasy after a recent large public gathering held in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district, and is now openly admitting that statehood is being withheld because people voted for the National Conference.
He said on social media that this reflects that people are being punished for their vote.Taking a dig at the Opposition leader, Abdullah remarked that the Assembly functioned more peacefully and productively in his absence.
Meanwhile, National Conference spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq also commented on the Opposition leader, saying he was about to file a “missing report” for him.
Opposition leader Sharma alleged that the government’s promises such as free LPG cylinders, 200 units of electricity, and employment for youth have not yet been fulfilled. He also said the administration has weakened and ministers are not active on the ground.
