SRINAGAR, May 6: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of attempting to divert public attention from its governance failures by introducing religious scripture into political discourse.
On Wednesday, while addressing reporters, Mehbooba specifically condemned the NC for its recent actions. She stated, “For God’s sake, do not drag the Quran into politics. They (National Conference) are doing this to hide their failures over the past two years of being in government. People are disheartened with them.”
Mehbooba’s statements came in response to NC chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq and MLA Zadibal’s recent demands that she and her MLAs take an oath on the Quran, declaring they did not support the BJP during the Rajya Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir last year.
The issue took a turn when a Right to Information (RTI) reply revealed that the PDP had failed to appoint a chief agent for the Rajya Sabha elections conducted in October 2022. This revelation led to allegations from the NC that three PDP MLAs had actually cast their votes for the BJP.
In her critique, Mehbooba did not hold back her opinions about the governance style of the NC. She stated, “Houses are being demolished under the garb of fighting drugs. Earlier the same thing was done under the pretext of combating terrorism. Employees face summary dismissals while students striving for open merit endure tormenting times. This government has only managed to be a mute spectator to these issues.”
The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir continues to be marked by tensions between the ruling party and opposition factions. Mehbooba extended a call for the National Conference to engage in political rivalry but insisted that religion should not be brought into the fray.
“The NC is welcome to fight my party politically, but they should spare religious scriptures while doing so,” she asserted.
This increased political rhetoric reflects ongoing discontent among various sectors of society in Jammu and Kashmir. The PDP has faced significant challenges in recent years, especially as it navigates its role in the shifting political landscape dominated by the BJP.
As the political climate intensifies, analysts suggest that both parties may need to reconsider their approaches and messages to win public trust. The electorate remains vigilant and increasingly demands accountability and transparency in governance.
