Srinagar, November 22: A war of words erupted between senior National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and Bharatiya Janata Party's Jammu & Kashmir in-charge Ram Madhav, after the latter accused him of joining hands with rival People's Democratic Party on the behest of Pakistan. An infuriated Abdullah called out Madhav on Twitter asked him to prove the serious allegations levelled by him.

The controversy stems from the failed attempt by PDP and NC to jointly stake claim for government formation in Jammu & Kashmir on Wednesday. The two parties, who have been at loggerheads always, colluded on the "instruction of Pakistan", alleged Ram Madhav. How Governor's 'Malfunctioning' Fax Machine Added to the Anti-Climatic Political Drama.

The BJP veteran said the two parties had abstained from the recently held urban local body elections on the insistence of Islamabad.

"PDP and NC boycotted local body polls last month because they had instructions from across the border. Probably they had fresh instructions from across the border to come together and form government," Madhav said while speaking to news agency ANI earlier in the day.

Reacting to his comments, Abdullah tagged Madhav on social media and sought the basis for the defamatory accusations levelled by him.

Madhav was quick to revert, urging Abdullah not to be offended. His remarks, added the BJP leader, is based on the suspicions arising from an inconceivable alliance of PDP and NC.

Abdullah, however, did not step back and continued his tirade. No, misplaced attempts at humour won’t work. You HAVE claimed my party has been acting at the behest of Pakistan. I dare you to prove it! Place the evidence of your allegation of NC boycott of ULB polls at Pak behest in public domain. It’s an open challenge to you & your Govt (sic)," the former chief minister said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 22, 2018 12:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).