SRINAGAR, October 13, 2026 – Launching a scathing attack on the National Conference-led government, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma demanded that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should resign if he genuinely believes there were discrepancies or “vote theft” during the elections. Sharma accused the ruling administration of widespread corruption, failing to fulfill its poll promises, and attempting to divert public attention from its core administrative failures.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar on Monday, Sharma highlighted the contradictions in the Chief Minister’s statements regarding the recent assembly elections. He pointed out that following the 2024 elections, Abdullah had praised the electoral process, stating that fair elections had been held in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since independence and that there were no issues with the EVMs.
“First of all, you have become the Chief Minister, which means you are also a product of that election. Today, he is talking about ‘vote chori’ (vote theft). If there have been discrepancies or vote theft has happened, he should resign first and then talk,” Sharma asserted.
The Leader of Opposition also heavily criticized the government for allegedly backtracking on its election manifesto. Highlighting unfulfilled promises such as the provision of 200 units of free electricity, 1 lakh jobs, and free water supply, Sharma questioned the government’s delivery on essential public services like roads and healthcare.
“I was reading their manifesto again yesterday. They also said that they will provide water for free… Where did that go?” Sharma asked, accusing the administration of engaging in systemic corruption, particularly regarding official transfers, while failing to provide basic amenities to the public.
Addressing the ongoing debate over the ‘business rules’ governing the Union Territory, Sharma argued that the J&K Reorganisation Act clearly defines the respective powers of the Union Government and the UT administration. He dismissed the government’s complaints about a lack of authority as a mere smokescreen to hide its incompetence. “You are committing theft, you are looting, you are doing corruption in the name of transfer, and then you say you do not have a business rule. This is total fraud,” he remarked.
Furthermore, the LoP weighed in on the recent protests disrupting public life and businesses in New Delhi. While acknowledging the right to oppose the government, he criticized the strategy of shutting down streets and businesses, suggesting that protests should be confined to designated areas like Ramlila Maidan or stadiums. Sharma alleged that these protests lacked genuine public support and were attempts to create chaos in J&K and across the country, adding that the government would not allow such disruptions to succeed.
Published by True Roots Media Network