Kashmir Impulse Desk

Tangmarg, May 6 

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday dismissed speculation about defections from the ruling National Conference, saying no party legislator would switch sides to support the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Speaking to reporters in Tangmarg, Abdullah described the reports as baseless and said there was no substance to the claims.

Responding to questions regarding allegations involving the People’s Democratic Party, the chief minister said the party had previously helped the BJP during Rajya Sabha elections, adding that the matter had already been established through information obtained under the Right to Information Act.

Abdullah also said his government functioned independently and did not take instructions from any outside organisation, asserting that the administration “speaks and acts for itself”.

On the reopening of tourist destinations, the chief minister said the issue had been discussed in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and that several locations had already reopened, while the remaining destinations would be opened in phases.

About a possible cabinet expansion, Abdullah said a decision would be taken at an appropriate time, without providing further details.