Omar Abdullah Accuses BJP of Attempting to Bribe Legislator in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused the BJP of attempting to bribe a legislator to switch parties, offering substantial financial incentives and a ministerial role. He emphasized the importance of unity among political leaders in the fight for restoring full statehood, which has been a persistent demand since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Abdullah announced a protest scheduled for July 20 in New Delhi, asserting that it would proceed despite not receiving official permission. He called on all political factions to join forces for this critical cause, warning that failure to do so would betray the public's trust.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 11, 2026, 19:24 IST

Allegations of Bribery by BJP

On Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made serious allegations against the BJP, claiming that the party attempted to bribe a legislator from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) with an offer of 20-30 crore rupees and a ministerial position. Abdullah stated that the legislator rejected the proposal and informed him about it. Speaking at a public gathering, he revealed that a BJP official, who is also a Supreme Court lawyer, approached one of his legislators in a private meeting, saying, 'We will offer you 20 to 30 crore rupees, a ministry, and statehood. Join us.' He questioned whether the BJP believed that trust could be bought so cheaply.

Abdullah further criticized the BJP for attempting to gain power through underhanded means, asserting, 'Do not underestimate us. There will be no backdoor entry for you. You will not reach the main seat through backdoor tactics. The public has kept you at bay, and that is where you will remain.'

Upcoming Protest for Statehood

Referring to the National Conference's planned protest in New Delhi on July 20, aimed at restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah emphasized that the event would proceed despite not receiving official permission. He stated, 'Our program on July 20 is confirmed. We are being accused of not consulting others, but this is not just a National Conference issue; it concerns everyone, whether they belong to political parties or not. All current and former legislators are invited because the fight for statehood is for everyone.'

He also called on leaders from all political parties to unite on this critical issue.

A Call for Unity

Abdullah urged all leaders to set aside electoral battles for the next three years and come together for the fight to regain statehood. He warned that if they stayed away due to fear or pressure, they would betray the public.

Earlier on Friday, Abdullah mentioned that the National Conference had not received permission for the protest scheduled at Jantar Mantar in the national capital to demand full statehood for the Union Territory.

Historical Context of the Demand

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the demand for full statehood has been a longstanding issue for the National Conference. The party has invited 52 leaders from various parties to participate in the protest at Jantar Mantar.

During a meeting in Srinagar, Abdullah accused certain elements of trying to undermine the National Conference's protest efforts, stating, 'We are still trying to secure that permission. It took less than 24 hours for the 'Cockroach Party' to get permission, while we have been trying for four to five days. Some people are determined to sabotage our event; they have scheduled their dates to coincide with ours.'