JAMMU: Launching a fierce and detailed attack, senior BJP leader and former Health Minister Bali Bhagat on Saturday slammed Omar Abdullah for backing Mamata Banerjee, accusing both leaders of “undermining democratic institutions while defending controversial governance.”
Bhagat said Omar Abdullah’s support to Mamata Banerjee exposes a “dangerous political mindset where leaders justify each other’s actions instead of standing with institutions and constitutional values.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the visit of Droupadi Murmu to West Bengal, Bhagat pointed out that serious questions were raised over protocol lapses, including sudden venue changes and absence of top state leadership to receive the President, which triggered a nationwide political storm.
He said such incidents were not minor administrative issues but reflected “systemic disregard for constitutional norms.” Reports had highlighted that the President herself expressed displeasure over the handling of her visit, including mismanagement and deviation from protocol.
“Instead of introspection over such serious lapses involving the highest constitutional office, there is an attempt to divert attention and attack institutions like the Election Commission,” Bhagat said.
Targeting Omar Abdullah, Bhagat said his remarks backing Mamata Banerjee and questioning institutional processes reflect a “deeply irresponsible approach that borders on endorsing authoritarian tendencies.”
“Omar Abdullah’s statement is not just political support—it is a clear attempt to legitimise a style of governance where institutions are questioned, protocols are ignored, and accountability is avoided,” he added.
Bhagat further alleged that repeated controversies in West Bengal—from administrative lapses during high-profile visits to incidents of political violence—paint a troubling picture. He cited past incidents where political leaders and convoys faced attacks in the state, leading to serious law-and-order concerns.
Taking a sharp dig, Bhagat said, “When leaders begin to defend such governance models, it raises serious concerns about their own political intent. This is how democratic systems are weakened—by systematically discrediting institutions and normalising irregularities.”
He also attacked Omar Abdullah’s remarks on elections, stating that “belittling the role of institutions like the Election Commission is a direct challenge to free and fair elections.”
“Omar Abdullah and his political legacy in Jammu and Kashmir have already been questioned in the past. Instead of learning from history, he is now openly backing a governance model that thrives on confrontation with institutions,” Bhagat said.
Concluding his statement, Bhagat warned that “attempts to centralise power, undermine institutions, and dismiss accountability are clear signs of authoritarian tendencies.”
“India’s democracy is strong, and no amount of political alignment or narrative-building will weaken the constitutional framework. The people will respond decisively to such politics,” he asserted.
The remarks come amid intensifying political confrontation over the Election Commission’s actions in West Bengal, with sharp exchanges continuing between leaders across party lines.
