Srinagar, July 11: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday alleged that attempts are being made to destabilise the National Conference (NC)-led government by offering financial incentives, ministerial positions and promises of statehood to its legislators.
Addressing NC workers during the 26th death anniversary programme of Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah at Hazratbal, Omar claimed that one of the party’s MLAs from Jammu was allegedly offered ₹20–30 crore, a ministerial berth and a promise of statehood to leave the National Conference.
“They are trying once again to break the National Conference. They think people’s conscience is so cheap,” Omar alleged.
The Chief Minister accused political opponents of attempting to engineer defections instead of respecting the mandate given by voters in the Assembly elections.
Omar said the NC has maintained patience despite delays in the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, but warned that patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Our patience is not our weakness. It is our strength,” he said.
Reiterating that restoration of statehood remains the party’s primary demand, Omar said the National Conference will continue its campaign through peaceful democratic means.
He announced that the party will organise programmes, including a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, to press for the restoration of statehood, subject to necessary permissions.
Remembering Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah’s contribution, Omar said her life reflected the values of patience, resilience and commitment to democratic principles.
