Srinagar, Jun 2 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday accused PDP president Mehbooba Mufti of prioritising power over public interest and held her responsible for several political and constitutional developments in the Union Territory, including the abrogation of Article 370 and loss of statehood.
Speaking to reporters here, Itoo alleged that Mufti declined an offer of unconditional support from National Conference president Farooq Abdullah after the collapse of the PDP-BJP coalition government in 2018.
She claimed Abdullah had offered support to prevent the BJP from returning to power and had not sought any ministerial position in return.
“When the BJP withdrew support from her government, Farooq Abdullah offered unconditional support to keep the BJP away from power. But she rejected it,” Itoo said.
The National Conference leader alleged that decisions taken during the PDP-BJP alliance contributed to the political situation that followed in Jammu and Kashmir, including the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in August 2019 and the downgrading of the erstwhile state into a Union Territory.
“Today there is no statehood, no Article 370, no Article 35A. People have suffered and many remain in jail,” she said.
Referring to political developments after 2019, Itoo said Abdullah had repeatedly advocated a united platform of regional political parties but alleged that Mufti did not support such initiatives.
She also criticised the BJP over demolition drives in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the action disproportionately affected poorer sections of society.
“Action should be taken equally against all encroachers, including influential people. The law must be applied uniformly,” Itoo said.
Itoo said the National Conference would continue to press for the restoration of statehood and protection of the rights and identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)
