SRINAGAR: President of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, on Tuesday accused the National Conference (NC) leadership of deceiving the electorate by hiding behind the pretext of statehood restoration to avoid fulfilling its election manifesto promises.
In a statement, Yaseen described as “shocking and misleading” Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s assertion that the NC government could not implement its manifesto until Jammu and Kashmir regained full statehood. He argued that Rather, being part of the manifesto drafting committee, was fully aware elections were contested under the Union Territory framework. “If they knew they lacked the powers to deliver, why mislead the people with tall claims?” Yaseen asked.
He said such excuses amounted to betrayal of public aspirations, stressing that manifestos are “solemn commitments” and not documents to be dismissed after elections. The PDF leader also cited Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s repeated remarks about “limited powers” under the Union Territory arrangement, calling them an attempt to deflect responsibility and evade accountability.
Yaseen urged NC leaders to come clean before the people and stop resorting to “blame-shifting”. He said the government must utilise existing powers to address basic needs, ensure transparency, and work towards peace and development.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve sincerity, not hollow rhetoric. History will judge the NC government harshly if it continues to betray public trust,” Yaseen warned.
