The National Conference (NC) on Friday rebuffed allegations of backchannel talks with the BJP for government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, saying those politicians sensing defeat were spreading unfounded rumours.

The party stepped in to fight the allegations amid a call by separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to all pro-India parties in Kashmir to unite for the rights of Kashmiris.

The Mirwaiz, in a speech at Jamia Masjid, regretted fighting elections separately but hoped they would unite to safeguard the interests of the people.

The separatist leader’s call came as the NC was battling allegations by former Srinagar mayor Junaid Mattu that NC president Farooq Abdullah had met “some leaders” in Pahalgam.

“The JKNC categorically denies the unfounded rumours of ‘back-channel’ talks with any party outside the INDIA bloc,” an NC spokesman said.

“Those sensing their impending defeat have resorted to spreading such baseless accusations. We urge the public, who have placed their trust in us, to disregard these false claims and not be swayed by rumour-mongering.”

Earlier, Mattu — one of the few politicians who maintained close ties with the BJP after the 2019 scrapping of special status but came out against the saffron party recently — had alleged the two parties had commenced negotiations.

“The NC-BJP negotiations have happened in Pahalgam headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah himself — accompanied by ‘apolitical’ mediators,” Mattu said on Thursday. Let the NC deny this, I’ll be happy to share the names, details, venue and times of the two meetings,” he had said.

The former mayor did not share the names after the NC denied the allegations.

Mattu, who was once part of the NC, is known for his rivalry with the party. The NC’s reaction, though surprising, appears to be driven by fears that any talk of a tie-up with the BJP could be damaging for the party.

People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone also set the rumour mills buzzing after he claimed an unnamed politician had rushed to Delhi. “And now off to Delhi to meet his masters. What thuggery people have gone through,” he said on Thursday.

Lone on Friday asked not to drag his name into the controversy without clarifying who he was talking about.

“Just to keep the record straight. Why on earth is my name being dragged? I have not accused anybody of meeting anybody anywhere,” he posted X.

The counting of votes will take place on October 8.