Srinagar, March 3: In a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday accused the Omar Abdullah-led government of functioning as an extension of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir. She alleged that instead of resisting the BJP’s policies, the NC was actively legitimizing the central government’s decisions, including the controversial abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the former Chief Minister expressed deep concern over what she described as the NC’s willingness to align with the BJP’s political agenda in the region.
“It is unfortunate that the policies of the BJP, which we have consistently opposed for being unconstitutional and against the interests of Jammu and Kashmir, are now being endorsed in one way or another by the National Conference. Rather than challenging these actions, NC leaders appear to be in a race to validate the drastic changes imposed over the past few years,” Mufti remarked.
Mufti also took aim at the Lieutenant Governor’s address on the opening day of the Budget Session, criticizing it for failing to acknowledge the deep sense of disempowerment felt by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She noted that despite NC’s claims of bringing a resolution for the restoration of Article 370, the issue found no mention in the speech.
“The NC-led government had an opportunity to at least put the demand for restoring Article 370 on record. However, not only was it missing from the Lt Governor’s address, but the cabinet itself seems reluctant to even discuss it. This silence speaks volumes about their commitment to the cause,” she stated.
Taking a direct dig at NC Vice President Omar Abdullah, Mufti criticized his lack of assertiveness on critical issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She dismissed Abdullah’s recent statement that he did not wish to emulate Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, urging him instead to show leadership by standing up for the region’s rights.
“No one is asking him to become Kejriwal. But for God’s sake, he should at least speak up for his people,” Mufti said.
She further pointed out that even before coming to power, the BJP consistently advocated for the revocation of Article 370 for decades.
“Omar Sahib says he cannot get Article 370 back from the BJP. But if the BJP could talk about abrogating it for 70 years, why can’t you at least speak out against this unconstitutional move? Why this silence?” she questioned.
Mufti emphasized that voters had placed their hopes in the NC-led government, expecting it to take a firm stand on issues such as disempowerment, land rights, exploitation of local resources, and employment opportunities.
“People did not expect miracles from the NC within four months, but they did hope for a strong voice in their favor. Unfortunately, this government has failed to even highlight these critical issues,” she said.
The PDP chief underscored that apart from the fight for Article 370 and the restoration of statehood, the people of Jammu and Kashmir were grappling with numerous other challenges, including job insecurity, land ownership concerns, and the unchecked extraction of local minerals.
“We have introduced several bills addressing these issues and expect that all political parties will show unity in tackling the pressing challenges facing the region,” she added.