Omar Abdullah pleads with Delhi to keep beating ordinary Kashmiri youth: J&K LoP Sunil Sharma

Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma on Saturday (February 21, 2026) said Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pleads with New Delhi to “keep beating Kashmiris” and “just feigns concern about it”.

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“What I am stating is very serious. When Mr. Abdullah visits Delhi, he pleads with the Centre to keep beating ordinary Kashmir but allow him space to beat his chest over it for political gains. He tells Delhi that he tried his best, but Kashmiri youth were not mending their ways. This is the dual face of the NC. They don’t want people to know the truth,” Mr. Sharma said. 

Mr. Sharma said Article 370, which was hollowed out in 2019, was buried. “The NC was misleading people on the constitutional position for J&K,” he said. 

The LoP said around 23,000 jobs were outsourced in J&K. “This decision has shattered the dreams of thousands of unemployed youth and amounts to a betrayal,” he added. 

He made the statement during a mega induction function held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. According to the BJP, several prominent leaders and grassroots workers from the National Conference (NC), Indian National Congress (INC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Apni Party, DPAP and other political outfits formally joined the BJP.

The new entrants were welcomed by J&K BJP president and Member of Parliament Sat Sharma, Mr. Sharma and general secretary Ashok Koul.

“The decision to join the BJP is a clear reflection of the growing public faith in the BJP’s vision of development, transparent governance, grassroots empowerment, and inclusive growth in J&K. The BJP’s leadership, experience, and strong public connect would significantly strengthen the party’s resolve to serve the people with dedication and integrity, while further advancing peace, stability, and prosperity across the Union Territory,” Mr. Sat Sharma said. 

LoP Sharma said senior political figures joined the BJP and “is a strong endorsement of the BJP’s policies and governance model”. “The party’s commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy, ensuring equitable development, and safeguarding the interests of every section of society would continue with renewed vigour,” Mr. Sharma said.

Mr. Koul termed the “steady influx of leaders and workers from different political backgrounds into the BJP as “indicative of the party’s expanding organizational base and credibility across J&K”. “The party’s disciplined cadre, clear ideological direction, and development-oriented approach are being increasingly recognized by the people of the region,” he said.