SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) MLA from Zadibal and chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Monday hit out at the BJP over its protest against the Omar Abdullah-led government, saying the party should first explain the continued delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Sadiq said the BJP had every democratic right to hold protests but questioned what he called “drama and theatrics” when people were still waiting for restoration of their constitutional and political rights.
“Let the BJP protest; it is their democratic right. But after two years, the simple question remains: where is statehood? They promised delimitation, elections and then restoration of statehood. Elections have happened, but statehood is still nowhere in sight,” he said.
He said the BJP should explain why statehood had not been restored after the erstwhile state was divided into two Union Territories.
“Instead of creating distractions, the BJP should tell the people why statehood has been delayed,” Sadiq said.
On reservation-related issues, he questioned why files and decisions concerning Jammu and Kashmir remained unresolved.
Sadiq also called for a thorough and impartial probe into allegations of backdoor appointments, saying any wrongdoing should be established through an investigation rather than political allegations.
“If there has been any wrongdoing, let there be a proper investigation and let the truth come out,” he said, adding that the BJP had the means to seek an inquiry through appropriate agencies.
He alleged that the BJP was using such issues to divert attention from matters directly affecting the people.
“If the National Conference had made illegal or backdoor appointments, why would anyone oppose an investigation? Let the facts come out. The people deserve the truth, not manufactured controversies and political theatrics,” he said.
Recalling the PDP-BJP alliance, Sadiq said the NC had warned against bringing the BJP into the government and claimed that party president Omar Abdullah had offered unconditional support to prevent such an arrangement.
“Those who enabled that alliance cannot now shed crocodile tears from the sidelines,” he said.
Sadiq said the BJP’s latest protest could not conceal what he described as its failure to address the core issue of statehood.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir are not asking for slogans or theatrics. They are asking for their rights. They want statehood restored, their constitutional dignity respected and their political voice strengthened,” he said.
He added that the NC would continue to raise the issues inside and outside the Assembly.
