Kashmir Politics: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Accuses Ruling Party of Defection Attempts

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday (July 11) created a new storm in the state's politics by accusing the ruling National Conference (NC) of trying to engineer defections. Addressing party workers on the 26th death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jahan Abdullah (Madar-e-Meherban) at Hazratbal, Omar claimed that a party MLA from Jammu was offered ₹1 crore and a ministerial berth to switch sides. Omar Abdullah launched a scathing attack on the opponents, saying, "They are trying to break the National Conference once again. I am told that one of our MLAs from Jammu was promised ₹1 crore, a ministerial berth and statehood if he joins them. They think the conscience of the people is so cheap." However, the chief minister did not name the MLA who was behind the alleged offer.