Delhi behind NC rebel's defection, alleges party MLA

A National Conference MLA has accused the Union government in Delhi of engineering the recent rebellion by party legislator Aga Ruhullah, characterizing the defection as part of a broader conspiracy to destabilize the regional party.

The allegation comes roughly a month after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah leveled similar accusations against the BJP, claiming the national party was attempting to persuade NC legislators to switch sides and weaken the party's strength in the assembly.

The NC leadership has repeatedly expressed concerns about external political pressure aimed at fracturing the party from within. Such accusations reflect growing tensions between the regional party and the central government, particularly regarding the stability of the coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir.

The series of defection charges underscore the competitive political environment in the union territory, where numerous parties compete for legislative influence. The NC has sought to consolidate its position since returning to power, with Omar Abdullah assuming the Chief Minister's office following elections that saw significant political realignment in the region.