Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), criticized the National Conference (NC)-led government under Omar Abdullah, stating that it has failed to surpass the performance of the previous Lieutenant Governor’s administration. She asserted that while the current government provides basic amenities like water and power, the LG administration arguably did so more effectively.
Mufti expressed disappointment that the popular government has not met expectations beyond basic service delivery. She highlighted ongoing issues like employee terminations and detentions, indicating a lack of progress. “While six months may be too short to fully realize promises, there should be visible efforts, which are absent,” she stated.
She accused the government of prioritizing power struggles over public concerns, particularly regarding administrative transfers. Mufti pointed to a recent legislators’ meeting focused on transfer powers, suggesting misplaced priorities.
Furthermore, she alleged a covert alliance between the NC and the BJP, citing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and comments by former RAW chief A.S. Dulat. Mufti interpreted Dulat’s statements about Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s role in the Article 370 abrogation as an attempt to foster NC-BJP ties.
She specifically criticized the NC’s perceived lack of opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, stating, “Muslims across the country looked to Jammu and Kashmir, being a Muslim-majority state, for a stance, but the NC appeared to side with the BJP, deeply hurting Muslim sentiments.”
