Mehbooba Mufti's Comments on Omar Abdullah's Government Ignite Controversy
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Synopsis
On March 4, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti faced criticism for claiming the Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kashmir government acts as a BJP extension. NC and Congress rebutted her statements, emphasizing independence from her views and highlighting their political differences.
Key Takeaways
- Mehbooba Mufti criticized the Omar Abdullah government for siding with the BJP.
- Political leaders from NC and Congress strongly oppose Mufti's assertions.
- Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary holds Mufti accountable for the state's issues.
- Discussion of Article 370 remains contentious among political parties.
- Chief Minister Abdullah defends the previous Assembly's resolution on Article 370.
Srinagar, March 4 (NationPress) The President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has faced significant backlash from various political factions after her claims that the Omar Abdullah-led administration in Jammu and Kashmir operates as an 'extension' of the BJP.
The National Conference (NC) and Congress have vigorously condemned Mufti's assertions, emphasizing that they do not seek or require her counsel.
On Monday, Mufti alleged that rather than opposing the BJP's policies, the NC government was actively endorsing them, including the controversial abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
In response to her remarks ahead of the Assembly session, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary stated, "Mehbooba Mufti can say anything she pleases, but she is accountable for the decline of Jammu and Kashmir. During her tenure as Chief Minister, the state's devastation occurred because of her. If J&K faced division or a change in status, she bears the responsibility."
Choudhary further criticized her past comments, remarking, "She is the same 'Mehbooba Ji' who, when asked about injustices faced by children, belittled their concerns by suggesting they only wanted milk and toffees in camps. Now, the individual who led J&K to ruin is attempting to lecture us? We do not require or seek her advice. Our accountability lies solely with the citizens who elected us."
Opposition Leader in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma, also refuted Mufti's claims, asserting, "Whether it’s Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, or any other political entity in Kashmir, their survival hinges on one aspect—associating their rivals with the BJP."
The 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 are entitled to express their opinions, but we neither support nor oppose them. PDP is free to operate as they see fit within a democratic framework. The House will deliberate on whatever is presented."
Mufti additionally accused the NC of aligning with the BJP's agenda, stating, "The NC-led government had a chance to at least record the demand for restoring Article 370. However, it was absent from the Lieutenant Governor's address, and the Cabinet appeared hesitant even to discuss it. This silence is indicative of their commitment to the cause."
In contrast, Sunil Sharma dismissed the demand, stating, "Revisiting Article 370 would be irrelevant and a complete waste of the House's time."
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected calls for renewed efforts to restore Article 370, contending that a resolution had already been passed in the previous Assembly session.
"You (the PDP and others) believed that any resolution concerning Jammu and Kashmir's special status would be rejected. That resolution was not dismissed. It remains in effect. What is the necessity of discussing it again? It’s not like we will repeat the same discussions endlessly?" Abdullah remarked, addressing reporters regarding Mufti's criticisms.
