Statehood delay 'price for voting for National Conference': Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the delay in restoration of statehood by the BJP-led central government is a "punishment" to the people for voting for the National Conference.

Abdullah was reacting to BJP's Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, who said, "Why would statehood be restored just because the prince of a political family (Omar Abdullah) is the chief minister?" Sharma, while interacting with reporters, added that restoration of statehood should not be linked to any individual or political family.

The BJP leader also took a dig at the Abdullah-led government, accusing it of "non-performance, corruption and misplaced priorities". He criticised Abdullah for being "busy in marathons, skiing and 5-star dinners". "Statehood will come at an appropriate time, but it cannot be tied to any one leader becoming chief minister," Sharma said.