Kashmir Political Row Deepens as Omar Abdullah Accuses BJP of Toppling His Government

The political row has deepened after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused the BJP of trying to topple his government and poach MLAs. The BJP has demanded that the chief minister produce evidence to back the allegations or publicly apologise. The BJP has warned that a defamation case will be filed against Omar Abdullah if the allegations are not proved. Addressing a conference of National Conference workers, Omar Abdullah on Saturday claimed that a Supreme Court lawyer associated with the BJP is trying to lure his party MLAs with money and ministerial positions. Omar Abdullah said, "The National Conference is being broken up. First money and ministerial posts were lured, but when things did not work out, my MLAs are now being told that come with us, we will grant statehood to Jammu and Kashmir." A Jammu MLA told me that a BJP functionary, who is also a Supreme Court lawyer, had offered Rs 30 crore and a state minister's post to the chief minister.