BJP Accuses National Conference of Separatist Links
Suhail Khan
Jammu, March 19: National Conference (NC) MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar on Wednesday urged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to advocate for dialogue between India and Pakistan, stressing that such engagement is “inevitable” to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Reiterating his party’s steadfast stance on reconciliation, Sagar, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) General Secretary and MLA from Khanyar, delivered a compelling address in the Assembly, as per Kashmir Despatch. He underscored the urgent need for New Delhi to initiate talks with Islamabad, urging BJP members to leverage their influence with the central government.
“Our respected leader, Dr. Farooq Abdullah sahab, has consistently advocated for dialogue. I sincerely appeal to BJP members to take this suggestion forward and urge the Centre to engage with Pakistan. By the grace of God, this path will resolve our issues,” Sagar stated.
The NC leader also criticized the BJP’s approach to national politics, accusing it of eroding India’s pluralistic ethos. “Divisive politics has fueled unrest in Delhi, Maharashtra, Manipur, and elsewhere. It is time for introspection,” he asserted.
Sagar further highlighted the Omar Abdullah-led government’s achievements, praising the former Chief Minister for presenting an “effective budget” despite “limited fiscal allocations” from the Government of India (GoI). He assured the House that the NC remains committed to fulfilling its promises, including job creation and improving public welfare. “Our government will deliver on its pledges. There is no need for premature conclusions,” he added.
The MLA also dismissed the BJP’s alleged “Jammu vs Kashmir” narrative, citing the induction of Surinder Chowdhary and Satish Sharma from Jammu into Omar Abdullah’s cabinet as evidence of the NC’s inclusive governance. “This move silenced those peddling divisive agendas,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) escalated its criticism of the National Conference (NC), alleging that the regional party’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir reflects a longstanding alignment with separatist ideologies and Pakistan.
Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma accused the NC of prioritizing Pakistan’s interests over India’s sovereignty. “The National Conference’s political DNA has always been intertwined with pro-Pakistan sentiments. Their leaders consistently undermine national unity by advocating engagement with a country that fuels terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,” Sharma told Kashmir Despatch. He condemned Sagar’s recent statement urging talks with Islamabad, calling it a “betrayal of public trust.”
Sharma also targeted Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, claiming he permits “anti-India rhetoric” within legislative proceedings. “I’ve repeatedly objected to divisive statements in the House and even submitted written complaints. The Speaker’s inaction raises serious doubts about his impartiality,” Sharma asserted, alleging collusion between the NC and separatist forces.
Earlier this month, Sagar argued that dialogue with Pakistan is essential to halt violence in the region, stating, “Silence in graveyards cannot be mistaken for peace.” His remarks drew sharp backlash from the BJP, which accused the NC of echoing narratives that destabilize the Union Territory.
