SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) on Tuesday dismissed reports suggesting that the party is in touch with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a possible alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, terming them “baseless” and “irresponsible.”
Speaking to media persons, NC spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq said that the report in a local newspaper is completely unfounded and irresponsible journalism.
“As far as Farooq Abdullah is concerned, he was in Bombay, not in Delhi, as falsely quoted by the newspaper. The meeting between Omar Abdullah and Home Minister Amit Shah was also a routine affair. Omar Abdullah has met the Home Minister in the past as well. No special arrangement was made for this meeting,” he stated.
Sadiq reiterated the NC’s firm opposition to the BJP, emphasising that the party fought against it in elections and remains steadfast in its stance. “The NC refutes such reports. Those media houses responsible for creating confusion will not be entertained by the party in the future,” he said.
However, he clarified that a working relationship with the Centre has always existed and will continue, adding: “Let me make it clear that the BJP and NC can never sit in one office. But based on this working relationship, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah meets the PM, the Home Minister, and other central leaders. This is solely for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Notably, speculations have been rife that a major political development is expected in Jammu and Kashmir, as NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah has been in Delhi for the past four days.
A media report claimed that the senior Abdullah facilitated the meeting between Omar Abdullah and Home Minister Amit Shah and that he has been engaging in discussions with the BJP’s top leadership. The report further suggested a strong possibility of the NC moving closer to the BJP in the “larger interest” of Jammu and Kashmir.
However, the NC has firmly denied these claims. (KNO)
