Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday dismissed speculation about attempts to poach members of his legislature party, saying he had “complete faith” in his MLAs and was not worried about the stability of his government.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Abdullah rejected suggestions that he was keeping a close watch on his legislators amid reports that some could be approached to switch sides.
“I am not at all afraid. I have complete faith in my people,” the Chief Minister said when asked whether he was concerned about the possibility of his MLAs being “poached”.
Without naming the individuals behind the speculation, Abdullah alleged that some people were spreading such claims after failing to secure positions in his government.
He claimed that the individuals had approached his office soon after the government was formed seeking an “adjustment”, but that he had declined to accommodate them.
“These are a couple of people who take their envelopes from the offices of the agencies of Gupkar Road,” Abdullah alleged, without elaborating on the identity of those he was referring to.
The Chief Minister said he had refrained from naming them publicly in order to protect their dignity, but alleged that those now “counting MLAs” were among the people whose requests for appointments had been turned down.
Abdullah also criticised some commentators on social media for their attacks on his administration, alleging that personal interests were driving their criticism.
He claimed that certain individuals had turned against his government after failing to secure official accommodation.
“If I had given them a flat in Jawahar Nagar, would they have dared to write like this?” he asked, describing the alleged behaviour as “selfishness”.
Abdullah maintained that he was not concerned by such criticism and reiterated that he had full confidence in the members of his legislature party.
