Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), strongly criticized the ruling National Conference (NC) on Friday, accusing them of prioritizing a power struggle with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) over critical public concerns.
Mufti alleged that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government had “surrendered” to New Delhi, failing to address pressing issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“People anticipated that the new government would safeguard their rights. Unfortunately, six months have passed, and they have remained silent on the plight of imprisoned youth, the dismissal of employees, the grievances of daily wagers, unemployment, and other crucial matters. This government has displayed cowardice in all aspects,” Mufti told reporters.
She directly addressed Abdullah’s statement about avoiding confrontation with the Central government, stating that the NC administration is “afraid” to advocate for the issues upon which they were elected.
“When they assumed power, they declared they wanted no confrontation with the Central government. Nobody desires conflict with Delhi. However, they have already capitulated. They are hesitant to even discuss the issues that secured their electoral mandate,” she added.
Mufti highlighted Abdullah’s silence regarding the termination of employees from departments under his jurisdiction.
“However, today, regarding the transfer of revenue officials (patwaris), the party’s legislators and their allies united,” she said, referencing the meeting held by NC legislators and their allies concerning the LG Manoj Sinha’s recent transfer orders.
“Did the people of Jammu and Kashmir vote for this party to address such matters? Is the transfer of revenue officials the primary concern? Or is it the plight of our youth languishing in jails? Or the daily raids? Or the continued closure of Jamia Masjid despite improved conditions?” she questioned. “We avoid discussing the real problems, instead focusing on who has the authority to transfer revenue officials or village-level workers. I believe this is deeply regrettable.”
Mufti attributed the current situation to the J&K government’s own actions, stating, “They are responsible because, upon forming the government, they immediately surrendered, declaring they sought no confrontation with Delhi.”
“Who is asking them to engage in conflict?” she inquired.
Mufti asserted that the NC is unwilling to address or take a stand on significant issues.
“Leaving aside Article 370, they refuse to even mention it, nor do they address other pressing public concerns. They focus solely on why the LG transferred revenue officials and why they cannot do the same,” she stated. “I believe it is inappropriate for a government with such a substantial mandate to convene a major meeting on such trivial matters. I consider it a mockery of the mandate given by the people.”
