SRINAGAR, May 22: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has lashed out at PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, questioning her commitment to the INDIA bloc and the PAGD, alleging that she targeted his National Conference instead of actively campaigning against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Reiterating the unity of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) and its joint efforts during elections, Abdullah emphasized that the PDP’s decision to distance itself from the alliance was driven by self-interest rather than ideology.
“The PAGD is intact. It fought this election together, except for the PDP, which moved away,” Abdullah told PTI, referring to the PAGD, formed by six parties including the CPI and Sajad Lone’s People’s Conference.
Abdullah criticized the PDP’s stance on the BJP, highlighting Mehbooba Mufti’s absence from active canvassing in favor of the Congress or the INDIA bloc against the BJP in areas like Udhampur and Jammu.
“She is only against the NC, not against the BJP,” Abdullah remarked, questioning Mufti’s claim to be part of the INDIA bloc.
Accusing the PDP of fostering animosity against the NC, Abdullah stated that the party had consistently criticized the NC for the past two years. He suggested that the PDP’s election strategy was deliberately aimed at undermining the NC.
Abdullah also commented on the Jamaat-e-Islami’s intention to contest elections if the ban on it is lifted, saying, “Better late than never.”
Regarding the potential delay in assembly elections, Abdullah expressed hope that the Prime Minister and Home Minister would fulfill their commitment to completing the election process before the Supreme Court’s deadline expires.
“If they want to fall foul of the Supreme Court, by all means. If they want to risk the contempt of SC, by all means. If they want the world to conclude that they are unreliable and untrustworthy, by all means,” Abdullah remarked.
The Anantnag-Rajouri seat is scheduled for polling in the sixth phase on May 25.
