Jammu, Feb 19 (KNS) ; Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), referring to its leaders as "jokers" and asserting that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will remain politically unmatched in the region for the next 25 years.

 

Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) outside the Legislative Assembly here, the National Conference (NC) leader accused the BJP of provoking students to create unrest. He claimed that the opposition party resorted to such tactics after failing to convince the youth through dialogue.

 

"There are 20-22 jokers who lack the courage to even go to Delhi. The theatrics they indulged in yesterday led to our children being beaten. They are provoking the youth because they could not convince them," Sharma said.

 

Heaping praise on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Sharma said, "In the entire subcontinent, there will be no leader to match Omar Abdullah in the next 25 years. Omar Abdullah is a saint, a sportsperson, and a secular face."

 

In a veiled dig at the Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma, the minister remarked that he appeared unhappy in his current role.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"He does not want to remain an LOP," Satish Sharma said, while challenging the opposition to engage in constructive politics. "If you want to fight, join us. Fight for the restoration of statehood. Fight against the menace of drugs."

 

The minister also targeted BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana, questioning his political credentials. "Not everyone can become Farooq Abdullah by simply wearing a cap. His stature is that of Farooq Sahib," he said, adding, "Can these 25-26 BJP leaders even win a panchayat election?"

 

Minister Sharma also criticized the Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner's recent order banning public charity collections. "Tell the Kishtwar DC to seek treatment. His mental balance is not right. This is the month of Ramzan, a time for charity," he said.

 

He further alleged that a bias exists within the administration. "Whether in the police or the administration, those sitting in top posts today nurse a mindset to impose bans. The RSS is no longer what it used to be," he added. (KNS)