Jammu, May 04 (KNO): Calling Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s “bloody hell” remark an ‘insult to democracy’ and a reflection of disregard for the people’s mandate, Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Monday demanded a public apology from him.
He said the remark undermines democratic values and insults voters’ choices across states, accusing the Chief Minister of questioning electoral verdicts and urging him to withdraw his statement immediately.
Talking to reporters in Jammu, LoP Sharma as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the remark reflects a disregard for the democratic will of the people. “In any election, in any state, whichever party wins, we congratulate it. It is the mandate of the people. Who are we to say ‘bloody hell’ to that mandate?” he said.
LoP Sharma alleged that the statement amounted to disrespecting voters across multiple states. “Somewhere, the people of these states have been abused. They exercised their franchise with their intellect and their rights. Such language is an insult to democracy and democratic values. He must apologise,” Sharma said.
Stressing that citizens are free to support any political party, Sharma said no leader has the authority to question people’s verdict. “People have the right to their opinion and vote. If they choose BJP or any other party, it is their decision. Insulting that choice is unacceptable,” he added.
LoP also accused CM Omar and his party of promoting controversial narratives in the past. “Sometimes Yasin Malik was projected as a hero, sometimes Syed Ali Shah Geelani, sometimes there was praise for Pakistan and sometimes for China. That kind of politics will not work anymore,” he said, adding that people are now demanding accountability and development.
“Jammu and Kashmir needed a Chief Minister, but what it got is a marathon runner and a part-time Chief Minister,” he said, adding that governance requires seriousness and full-time attention.
He said that the region deserved leadership that listens to the poor and works at the grassroots level. “If the Chief Minister had come from an ordinary background, whether from places like Bandipora, Baramulla or Pulwama, people would have felt represented. But what we see instead is a leadership disconnected from ground realities,” he said.
LoP Sharma alleged that past years in Jammu and Kashmir were marked by appeasement, corruption and cultural exploitation and that the political discourse has now shifted towards development, peace and security.
Referring to electoral trends across the country, Sharma pointed to developments in West Bengal and said that when a secure environment is ensured, people vote freely. Taking a dig at Mamata Banerjee, he said people are rejecting certain styles of politics and that trends indicate a shift in mandate.
He also defended the revision of electoral rolls, stating that removal of ineligible names strengthens democracy. “If deceased persons or illegal entrants are removed from voter lists, it is the duty of the Election Commission. Why should anyone object?” he said.
LoP Sharma further said BJP’s political footprint is growing in southern states as well. “In Kerala, our vote share is increasing. In Tamil Nadu, traditional parties like DMK and AIADMK are being challenged. Their monopoly is breaking,” he said.
On speculation about government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, Sharma categorically ruled out any attempt by BJP to engineer defections. “We will not break any party to form a government. We respect the mandate. We are in opposition and will play the role of a responsible opposition,” he said.
He asserted that BJP remains focused on forming the government in the future. “Whenever the next elections are held, BJP’s target will be Jammu and Kashmir,” Sharma said.
Reiterating his demand, Sharma said the Chief Minister must withdraw his remark and apologise. “Democracy rests on respect for the people’s voice. Any statement that undermines it must be corrected,” he said—(KNO)