Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 2: Senior National Conference leader and Minister Sakeena Itoo today launched a sharp attack on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, accusing her of being “power hungry” and placing political ambitions above the interests of the people of J&K.
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Speaking to reporters, Itoo alleged that Mufti chose to ally with the BJP in pursuit of power despite an offer of unconditional support from Omar Abdullah that, she claimed, could have enabled the formation of a Government without the BJP.
“Omar Abdullah had offered support so that a Government could be formed without the BJP and the party could be kept away from J&K. But Mehbooba Mufti rejected that support because she was after power,” Itoo said.
She was responding to Mufti’s recent letters to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other political leaders seeking a collective initiative for sustained engagement with New Delhi on J&K’s issues.
Itoo accused the PDP chief of facilitating the BJP’s entry into J&K’s and blamed her for the political developments that followed.
“Today, there is no statehood, Article 370 has been abrogated, jobs are lacking, thousands of people are in jail and several powers remain outside the elected Government’s control,” she said.
Referring to the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Itoo said National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah had attempted to bring political parties together after the constitutional changes of August 2019 despite differences with Mufti.
“Even after what she had done to J&K, Dr Farooq Abdullah invited her to join PAGD so that parties could collectively raise the people’s issues. But she has continued to pursue power and is not sincere towards the people,” Itoo alleged.
On the issue of statehood, Itoo said its restoration was a right of the people of J&K and not a concession.
“Statehood is not something people should receive as alms. J&K had statehood for decades and its restoration is the people’s right,” she said.
Commenting on the June 3 meeting convened by the Chief Minister, Itoo said there was nothing unusual about it and described it as a routine exercise.
“Check the records. This is not the first such meeting. It is a routine matter,” she said.
Itoo also criticised the demolition drive in Jammu, saying the authorities should not selectively target the poor.
“There are many BJP MLAs who have carried out encroachments. Action should be taken against them as well. Why target only the poor? The Government should act against those who have encroached upon large tracts of land,” she said.
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