Congress' Salman Khurshid backs J-K CM Omar Abdullah over statehood demand

Speaking to ANI, Salman Khurshid said that the splitting of parties using money and pressure was a cause of concern.

Khurshid said, "That is precisely the cause for concern that such things are happening. Parties are being split, money is being given, and pressure is being exerted on people. An election is not just about the day of voting. It encompasses all the activities associated with the election as well."

"I believe CM Omar Abdullah has made every possible effort to ensure that the appropriate time arrives. A lot of time has already passed. The Supreme Court had also indicated as much. He is taking this matter forward; let him proceed with it," he said, backing Abdullah's demand for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Conference has called for a protest at the Jantar Mantar on July 20 to demand statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Party chief Farooq Abdullah has invited leaders across party lines to join the protest.

Meanwhile, CM Omar Abdullah had earlier alleged that the BJP had attempted to lure a JKNC MLA into switching sides by offering Rs 20-30 crore and a ministerial berth.

Abdullah said the MLA rejected the offer. "A BJP official, a Supreme Court lawyer, told one of my Jammu MLAs in a closed room, 'We will give Rs 20 to 30 crore, one ministry, and statehood. You walk with us.' Do they think that the faith of these people is so cheap?" Abdullah asserted while addressing a gathering.

He further accused the BJP of attempting to come to power through "the back door".

"BJP people, don't consider us so weak. There will be no entry for you from the back door. You will not come to the front chair from the back door. Currently, the people have kept you behind, and you will remain behind," he said.

Referring to the NC's proposed July 20 protest in New Delhi demanding restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the programme would go ahead despite not receiving permission. (ANI)