Omar Abdullah Rebuts JP Nadda Over J&K Paper Leak

A political dispute erupted on July 23, 2026, after Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda claimed during a press conference that a paper leak in the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) occurred under a government led by the National Conference and Congress. Nadda used the example to accuse Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of being selective regarding examination scandals.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded on X, clarifying that the leak took place in 2022 while Jammu and Kashmir was administered by the Lieutenant Governor, two years before his own government took office in October 2024. Abdullah questioned the status of a high-level probe committee mandated by the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court to investigate the incident, noting that the report's findings remain unknown. The 2022 scandal involved the cancellation of recruitment exams for approximately 3,500 posts, including sub-inspectors and junior engineers, following allegations of malpractice involving the firm Aptech Limited.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Abdullah of lying, citing a 2025 government statement regarding exam cancellations and pointing to leaks in other Congress-ruled states. Meanwhile, Abdullah called for the Centre to engage in dialogue with students protesting NEET irregularities at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, a move supported by Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, who stated that democracy was being strangulated by brute force.