SRINAGAR, May 6: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of dragging religious scriptures into politics to divert attention from its governance failures. This statement came during a press conference in Srinagar where Mufti expressed her disappointment over the ruling party’s actions.
“For God’s sake, do not drag the Quran into politics,” Mehbooba stated emphatically. She alleged that the NC resorts to such tactics to hide its two years of failures in governance, leaving the populace disheartened.
This reaction followed recent remarks by NC chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq, who demanded that Mufti and her MLAs swear by the Quran, claiming they did not vote for the BJP during the Jammu and Kashmir Rajya Sabha polls last year.
An RTI reply revealed that the PDP had not appointed a chief agent for the Rajya Sabha elections held in October 2022. The NC views this oversight as indicative of the PDP’s alleged collaboration with the ruling BJP, thereby escalating the political tension in the region.
In her press conference, Mehbooba further criticized the National Conference for its handling of critical issues affecting the people. “Houses are being demolished under the guise of fighting drugs. Previously, similar actions occurred under the pretext of combating terrorism,” she remarked.
The former chief minister pointed out the dismissals of employees and the distress faced by students from open merit backgrounds. “This government has remained a mute spectator while these injustices unfold,” Mufti emphasized.
Mehbooba welcomed political competition but urged the ruling party to refrain from involving religious scriptures in their disputes. She argued that such actions not only mislead the public but also undermine the sanctity of religious texts. “Let us debate policy and governance issues instead of dragging God into the political arena,” she asserted.
Her statements highlight the ongoing power struggle between the PDP and the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir. As political tensions rise, the PDP continues to push for accountability from the NC, which it claims has failed to address pressing social issues.
Political observers noted that the underlying tensions between various parties in Jammu and Kashmir have amplified, especially as they navigate the complexities of governance and public sentiment. The rivalry showcases the broader challenges faced by political entities in a region marked by historical conflicts and aspirations for stability.
In conclusion, as the PDP calls for a return to principled political engagement, it remains to be seen how the National Conference will respond amid allegations and criticisms aimed at its governance record.
