Mehbooba Mufti claims Abdullah helping BJP ‘disempower’ Kashmir
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The president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for reigniting discussions on the region’s accession to India, accusing him of creating confusion over the plebiscite issue.
Mufti alleged that the National Conference (NC), which Abdullah represents, has historically shifted its stance between advocating for India and supporting the idea of independence, adding that the party played a role in diluting J&K’s autonomy by endorsing constitutional changes that reduced the status of key political positions.
Addressing the past actions of the NC, Mufti argued that the party was responsible for electoral malpractices that contributed to instability in the region and claimed that it failed to protect the rights of people, particularly in the wake of constitutional changes imposed by the BJP-led central government in 2019.
She maintained that the PDP, during its tenure in alliance with the BJP, had managed to prevent the revocation of Article 370 while initiating dialogue with separatist groups and securing ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control with Pakistan.
Reacting to Abdullah’s recent remarks on Article 370, Mufti asserted that the NC has failed to challenge the BJP’s actions and has instead become complicit in policies that have led to the disempowerment of the people of J&K. She criticised the chief minister for failing to take a strong stand on reversing the changes implemented after the region’s special status was revoked, stressing that the voters who supported the NC expected the party to resist these measures.
The PDP chief also took aim at Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, asserting that his address in the assembly’s Budget Session overlooked key concerns regarding the loss of J&K’s autonomy.
She highlighted the absence of any mention of a resolution seeking the restoration of Article 370, accusing the government of avoiding discussions on critical issues. Meanwhile, Sinha praised Abdullah’s efforts in directly engaging with district representatives, describing the budget as a reflection of the aspirations of the people.