Srinagar, 15-09-2024: National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah has launched a sharp criticism of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti, accusing her of leading Jammu and Kashmir into turmoil and destruction. Speaking at a public event in Anantnag, Abdullah reiterated that Mehbooba’s decisions, particularly her alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were central to the unrest in the region.
“Mehbooba Mufti has done nothing but cause destruction in Jammu and Kashmir. The PDP, under her leadership, played the most significant role in bringing the BJP to power here,” Abdullah remarked. He emphasized that the alliance formed between the PDP and BJP in 2015 marked a turning point in the state’s political and social climate, and this decision, he argued, was driven by the PDP’s strategic failures.
Abdullah was particularly critical of Mehbooba’s handling of the 2016 unrest that followed the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. He reminded the public of Mehbooba’s controversial statement at the time, where she trivialized the deaths of protestors by referencing “milk and toffees” for the youth. Abdullah further condemned the lack of accountability, stating that Mehbooba has not yet apologized for her role in the unrest, which resulted in over 90 civilian deaths.
“Before pointing fingers at me, she should first answer for 2016. She has not apologized for bringing the BJP into J&K, nor has she apologized for pushing the state into this destruction. Why is she targeting me when her own record is so tainted?” Abdullah said.
Reflecting on the formation of the PDP-BJP coalition, Abdullah questioned why the PDP chose to align with the BJP despite having offers from the NC and Congress to form a government. “We were prepared to support them. Both the NC and Congress extended our hand to Mufti Sahab and later to Mehbooba Mufti after his passing. Why did they reject it? What was their compulsion to go with the BJP?” he asked.
He further critiqued Mehbooba’s earlier promises that an alliance with the BJP would bring more confidence-building measures (CBMs) from Delhi, stating that none of those promises were fulfilled.
When asked about Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s announcement of resignation, Abdullah said it was too early to comment. He suggested waiting for more clarity on Kejriwal’s reasons for stepping down and whether elections or new leadership would follow.