Srinagar: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said PDP-BJP alliance left the State “brutalized” and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti owes the people of J&K an apology which “needs to be delivered without hiding behind smokescreens and the victimhood of being removed from power.”
Omar chaired the National Conference Legislative Party Meeting at party Head Office, ‘Nawa-e-Subha’ in Srinagar. The meeting was attended by MLAs and MLCs from the party.
Addressing the Legislative Party Meeting, Omar said the PDP-BJP Alliance had left the State brutalized and stoked unprecedented alienation, especially among the youth. “The PDP-BJP Alliance has pushed JK into the throes of turmoil and uncertainty and the rank opportunism that formed the basis of their politics has not only alienated the people but also created chasms between the three regions of the State. We have witnessed rampant persecution, injustices and widespread corruption while this alliance was at the helm of power”, he said.
“The shamelessness and lack of perspective is evidenced by the how Mehbooba Mufti, in a scripted TV interview to a private channel from Delhi, had all the time to remember the imaginary failures of her predecessors but had no words of sympathy for the people of the State and failed to acknowledge how much her Government and that of Late Mufti Sahab brutalized and persecuted the people over the past more than three years. Mehbooba Mufti owes the people of J&K an apology and this apology needs to be delivered without hiding behind smokescreens and the victim-hood of being removed from power. The people of J&K are the only victims here and Mehbooba Mufti owes them an unconditional apology”, Omar said, adding, “Mehbooba Mufti’s arrogance had driven her own leaders away and this was another indication of her contempt towards the mandate of 2014 and also her refusal to respect the sentiments of the people at large.”
He further added: “Mehbooba Ji has lost the faith of her own leaders due to her arrogance and flawed policies. It was none other than her own brother and Former Tourism Minister who said PDP and BJP were ‘partners in crime’. In order to become the Chief Minister and to enjoy the spoils of power, Mehbooba Mufti ended up bartering the interests of the State to the highest bidders while ridiculously reserving the right to criticize her own alliance partner simultaneously. This policy of running with the hare, while hunting with the hound has no takers and the people of the State have realized the scale and extent of PDP’s deceit and betrayal.”
Reiterating the demand for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly, the NC Vice President said the party believes this was a necessary requirement to end the ongoing phase of uncertainty and speculations that are adding to the sense of cynicism among the people. “We have and will continue to demand for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly. The situation in the State at present is not conducive for the conduct of elections and the Governor’s administration should take all possible steps to restore normalcy and a sense of security in the people before a democratic exercise can take place. The continued loss of precious lives is unacceptable and a matter of grave concern and all possible steps should be taken to prevent any further loss of lives. The youth of the State are being pushed further away due to the failure to prevent civilian killings and this remains a matter of concern and alarm”, the NC Vice President said.
“From seeking votes to stop the BJP from coming to power to embracing the BJP to become the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has betrayed her own promises and is responsible for the atmosphere of hopelessness and cynicism that has engulfed our youth and is pushing them away from the mainstream. She surrendered the State’s powers to New Delhi in order to remain in power and the consequences of these surrenders are irrevocable and have disempowered J&K”, the NC Vice President added.
