Jammu, Mar 4: The National Conference criticized PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday for her comments regarding the lieutenant governor’s failure to mention a resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly that called for the restoration of Article 370 during his address in the House. They accused her of seeking attention from the media.
The ruling party in Jammu and Kashmir reminded the public of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) involvement in the article’s abrogation.
On Monday, Mehbooba stated that the National Conference was “validating” the abrogation of Article 370 and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to defend the rights and dignity of his constituents.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary dismissed Mehbooba’s statements as mere theatrics aimed at the press.
“Mehbooba Mufti is performing a spectacle for the media,” he told reporters outside the House.
He also attributed the PDP’s alliance with the BJP to the repeal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and its division into two Union territories.
“The PDP has contributed to the present scenario, and now, with such comments, Mehbooba is attempting to portray herself as a benefactor of the public. The people are aware of her true intent,” he added.
The PDP was part of a coalition government with the BJP from 2015 to 2018.
Choudhary pointed out that the National Conference passed the resolution for restoring statehood during the assembly’s initial session. “We approved the resolution in the first Cabinet meeting, which was subsequently ratified by the assembly.” In August 2019, the Centre revoked Article 370 that granted special status to the former Jammu and Kashmir state, reorganizing it into two Union territories.
Additionally, the deputy chief minister encouraged the PDP to concentrate on public welfare and developmental issues. “The PDP should address the challenges faced by the people as these past six years have been tough for them.” Health Minister Sakina Itoo also criticized the PDP for its involvement in the abrogation of Article 370.
“People placed their trust in the PDP, but they have learned valuable lessons,” she remarked.
She also noted that the loss of statehood, the abrogation of Article 370, and increasing unemployment were outcomes of the PDP’s actions.
In response to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address during the first day of the budget session in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Mehbooba remarked that no mention was made regarding the resolution for restoring Article 370 that the House had passed in November.
“This government failed to acknowledge the resolution it claimed was meant for the restoration of Article 370,” the PDP leader stated.
Labeling Sinha’s address as a mundane document lacking in serious issues, PDP MLA Waheed Para described it as merely a vision document of the government. (Agencies)
