Fear of revolt forcing Omar to count his numbers: Bali Bhagat
JAMMU, Jun 2: Senior BJP leader and former minister Bali Bhagat today launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the June 3 meeting of National Conference legislators, terming it a “political floor test” aimed at assessing whether his own MLAs still stand with him.
Bali Bhagat said that if the National Conference government was stable and united, there would have been no need for such an emergency-style gathering of legislators. He asserted that growing dissatisfaction within the ruling party has compelled Omar Abdullah to personally take stock of his flock before proceeding with any cabinet expansion.
“Tomorrow’s meeting is not about governance, public welfare or development. It is a reality check for Omar Abdullah. He wants to know how many MLAs are still with him and how many are preparing to chart their own political course,” Bali Bhagat said.
The senior BJP leader alleged that deep cracks have emerged within the National Conference, with several legislators unhappy over unfulfilled promises, lack of development on the ground and uncertainty surrounding cabinet expansion.
“Omar Abdullah knows that cabinet expansion can become the biggest challenge for his leadership. Every MLA expects recognition and representation. The moment deserving legislators are ignored, resentment will surface openly and the National Conference leadership may struggle to contain it,” he said.
Bhagat further stated that the Chief Minister is delaying cabinet expansion because he fears political repercussions within his own party.
“He understands that if certain MLAs are denied ministerial berths, many of them may openly revolt or begin exploring other political options. The meeting has therefore been convened to measure loyalty before taking any decision on cabinet expansion,” he remarked.
The BJP leader said that instead of focusing on governance, employment, development, statehood and public welfare, the National Conference leadership is busy managing internal contradictions and factionalism.
“People voted for governance, not for internal power struggles. Unfortunately, the NC government has spent more time protecting its political interests than addressing the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Bali Bhagat added that the BJP remains committed to exposing what he termed the failures and contradictions of the ruling dispensation and will continue to raise issues concerning the people both inside and outside the legislature.
“The June 3 meeting will reveal whether Omar Abdullah enjoys the confidence of his own legislators. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are watching closely,” he added.