Says CM Omar Abdullah ‘Normalised Abnormal Governance’ in J&K
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,DD: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday revealed that National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah had reached out to her seeking PDP’s support for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, while also taking a sharp dig at former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of “normalising the abnormal governance practices” that began during the Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Mehbooba, said, “We can say as much, but whatever was happening during the Governor’s rule such as the sacking of government employees no one was able to speak.”
“Whatever was happening was abnormal, but when Omar Abdullah became Chief Minister, he normalised it all. Neither did he talk about it, nor did he resist,” she said.
She alleged that Omar Abdullah, who once promised to provide legal aid to thousands of jailed youth in his election manifesto, has now remained silent on such commitments.
“He talked about Article 370 in the past, but today he doesn’t even take its name. Institutions are being targeted Falah-e-Aam Trust schools have been taken over by the administration with the signature of Omar Sahib’s own minister and even the open merit system is being rationalised,” Mehbooba said.
When asked about the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, the PDP chief revealed that National Conference president Farooq Abdullah had reached out to her seeking PDP’s support.
“Farooq Sahib called me and said they are in need of support. I told him that our senior leadership will sit and discuss it,” she said.
“However, I also told him that there are some of our bills which we had brought during the previous Assembly session such as those related to regularising poor people living on gasscharayi land and the daily wagers’ bill so at least one or two of those should be passed this time,” Mehbooba added. (KNC)
