SRINAGAR, May 6: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti criticized the National Conference (NC) for involving religious scripture in its political strategy. Speaking to reporters, she accused the NC of dragooning the Quran into politics to distract from its governance failures.
Mufti expressed her discontent with the current ruling party, stating, “For God’s sake, do not drag Quran into politics. They (NC) are doing this to hide their failures over the past two years of being in government. People are disheartened with them.”
This statement came in response to a recent controversy where MLA Zadibal and NC chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq demanded that Mufti and her party members swear by the Quran, denying any support for the BJP during the Rajya Sabha polls last year.
An RTI reply revealed that the PDP did not appoint a chief agent for the Rajya Sabha elections held in October, leading to accusations from the NC that three PDP MLAs had voted for the BJP. Mehbooba Mufti firmly rejected these claims, emphasizing that her party would not succumb to such pressures of swearing on religious texts.
Mufti further elaborated on the failures of the National Conference, mentioning ongoing issues in the region. She stated, “Houses are being demolished under the garb of fighting drugs. Earlier the same thing was done under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Employees are being summarily dismissed while open merit students are going through tormenting times.” These remarks reflect a growing concern among local residents regarding the socio-economic climate in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Mufti, the NC cannot deflect accountability by invoking religious sentiments. She welcomed political debate but urged the prevailing government to focus on IN governance and societal issues. “All this government has done so far is being a mute spectator,” she emphasized, highlighting the disillusionment with the NC’s leadership.
As political tension escalates in Jammu and Kashmir, the PDP continues to position itself as an alternative for citizens dissatisfied with the current government’s performance. Mehbooba Mufti’s vociferous critique represents the challenges facing the NC in its governance, especially in addressing the concerns raised by opposition parties.
