Will BJP Team Up with NC to Form Government?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sunil Sharma confirms BJP's unwillingness to collaborate with NC.
- Omar Abdullah criticizes BJP's delay in statehood.
- Upcoming elections could reshape J&K's political landscape.
- BJP asserts confidence in winning upcoming contests.
- NC's strategy involves nominating candidates for all Rajya Sabha seats.
Jammu, Oct 21 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Jammu and Kashmir and prominent BJP figure Sunil Sharma declared on Tuesday that the BJP will categorically not establish a government in collaboration with the National Conference (NC) under any circumstances.
Sharma's remarks came in response to a recent comment by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who accused the BJP of 'punishing the residents of J&K by postponing statehood due to their lack of power in the region.'
Abdullah also stated that he would prefer relinquishing power rather than forming a government with the BJP under any duress.
In rebuttal to the Chief Minister’s assertions, Sunil Sharma told reporters, “We will not form a government with the National Conference under any circumstances. We are not going to form a government on any condition.”
The LoP labeled the Chief Minister's claims as completely unfounded and aimed solely at misleading the populace of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharma expressed that the BJP is fully equipped for upcoming contests, whether it’s the Rajya Sabha elections, by-elections in Jammu and Kashmir, or the elections in Bihar.
“We have complete faith in our supporters. Whether it’s in Bihar, Budgam, or Nagrota, the BJP is poised for victory,” he asserted.
He also addressed the Chief Minister's claims regarding potential horse-trading during the Rajya Sabha elections, asserting that such allegations are devoid of truth.
“The Chief Minister is making empty claims and merely attempting to mislead the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
The elections for four Rajya Sabha seats are set for October 24 in J&K, where assembly members will participate in the voting.
According to the distribution of votes, the NC appears to hold an advantage over the BJP for three of the four seats, while the BJP has a stronger position on the fourth seat.
The NC has nominated candidates for all four seats after the Congress declined to field a candidate for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, seeking 'safer' options for themselves.
In response to the NC's refusal, Congress decided against fielding any candidates for these seats.
Upcoming by-elections for two assembly seats, Nagrota in Jammu and Budgam in the Valley, are scheduled for November 11.
The NC had previously offered the Nagrota seat to the Congress, but the offer was turned down.