Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday accused the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) government of acting as an extension of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The former Chief Minister suggested that the NC was attempting to legitimize the BJP’s actions over the past six years, including the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
“Unfortunately, it seems that the BJP’s agenda, their policy regarding Jammu and Kashmir, has become an extension of the ruling government that was elected with a massive majority. The things for which we used to raise our voices, which are unconstitutional, it seems that the people of the National Conference are in a race to legitimize those things that happened in recent years,” Mufti told a press conference in Srinagar.
She criticized the Lieutenant Governor’s address on the opening day of the Budget Session, expressing disappointment that it did not address the issues of disempowerment faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“There was no mention of a resolution which NC claims they brought for restoration Article 370- in the Lt Governor’s address. This cabinet has not even dared to bring it up. What else can we say?” she said.
Mufti took a jibe at Omar Abdullah, stating that no one was asking him to become Delhi former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, but that he should at least stand up for the rights of his people.
“Our Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says that I do not want to become Kejriwal. No one is asking him to be Kejriwal, but for God’s sake, stand up for the rights of your people,” she said.
Mufti said that the BJP had been raising the issues of Article 370 abrogation even when it had no power.
“ Omar sahib says how he will get it (Article 370) from the BJP. When BJP could talk on abrogating Article 370 for 70 years, at least you (Omar) can speak on this and say this was done illegally,” she said.
She said that people voted for Omar Abdullah hoping the government would address issues of disempowerment, as well as concerns over property, minerals, and jobs.
“I did not expect miracles from the NC in four months, but at least they should have raised their voice on such issues,” she said.
Mufti said that besides Article 370 and Statehood restoration, several issues were being faced by the public.
She said they have brought several bills and expect that there would be unity among political parties to address these critical issues facing Jammu and Kashmir. (Agencies)
