Mehbooba Mufti's Comments on Omar Abdullah's Government Stir Controversy

Synopsis

Mehbooba Mufti, President of the PDP, faces criticism for claiming that Omar Abdullah's government operates as a BJP extension. This has sparked strong responses from NC and Congress leaders, emphasizing that they do not need her guidance on political matters in Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Takeaways

Mehbooba Mufti criticized the Omar Abdullah government.
Claims of BJP's influence on local politics raised.
Strong backlash from National Conference and Congress.
Deputy CM blames Mufti for J&K's decline.
Discussions on Article 370 deemed irrelevant by some.

Srinagar, March 4 (NationPress) President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has faced significant backlash from various political factions after alleging that the government led by Omar Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir is merely an 'extension' of the BJP.

The National Conference (NC) and Congress have vehemently condemned Mufti's remarks, claiming they neither require nor desire her counsel.

On Monday, Mufti's comments suggested that rather than opposing the BJP policies, the NC government was instead endorsing them, particularly regarding the controversial abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

In response to her statements prior to the Assembly session, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary stated, "Mehbooba Mufti can claim anything, but she is accountable for the decline of Jammu and Kashmir. The state's devastation occurred during her tenure as Chief Minister. If J&K faced division or a shift in status, she is to blame."

Choudhary further criticized her past comments, saying, "This is the same Mehbooba Ji who, when confronted with concerns about injustices towards children, brushed them off, saying they only wanted milk and candies in camps. Now, the individual who led J&K to ruin is attempting to instruct us? We don't require her advice. Our obligation is solely to those who have cast their votes for us."

Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma, also dismissed Mufti's allegations, asserting, "Whether it's Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, or any political entity in Kashmir, their survival hinges on one thing — associating their rival with the BJP."

Congress state president and MLA Tariq Hameed Karra maintained a neutral position, stating, "The PDP has its own perspective, while the NC and Congress have theirs. They can express their views freely, but we neither support nor reject them. The PDP is entitled to act as they see fit within a democratic framework. The Assembly will consider whatever is put forth."

Mufti further accused the NC of aligning with the BJP's objectives, stating, "The NC-led government had the chance to at least document the demand for restoring Article 370. However, it was not only absent from the Lt. Governor's address, but the Cabinet seemed hesitant to even broach the topic. This silence speaks volumes about their dedication to the cause."

Nonetheless, Sunil Sharma dismissed the notion, stating, "Revisiting Article 370 would be pointless and a complete waste of the House's time."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected the calls for renewed efforts to restore Article 370, arguing that a resolution had already been addressed in the previous Assembly session.

"You (the PDP and others) presumed that any resolution regarding Jammu and Kashmir's special status would be dismissed. That resolution was not rejected. It stands. What is the need to revisit it? We won't engage in the same discussions repeatedly?" Abdullah remarked while addressing reporters concerning Mufti's criticisms.