KL Desk
Srinagar
Describing the emergence of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) as part of a natural democratic process, PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said that the National Conference (NC) is unnerved by the prospect of losing power which is a very routine thing in any democracy.
Addressing a workers meeting of Chadoora constituency on Wednesday Mufti said National conference does not need anybody’s moneybags to degenerate further as long as its policies remain anti people and focussed on personal ambition and wealth.
“Political parties lacking vision; efficiency and integrity need nothing else to lose the confidence of people,” he said.
While accusing NC of weakening democracy in State, Mufti said National Conference has remained the main political force in the state for decades and therefore cannot escape responsibility for the systemic mess and sufferings of people.
“If democracy remained weak in Jammu and Kashmir it was essentially because the NC began its rule by denying free elections to constituent Assembly, the first democratic institution secured by the people after a long struggle” Mufti said, adding that the party continued in the same tradition and did not allow a free election even in 1987 pushing the state into its worst crisis that resulted in immense loss of life, property and dignity. “It is sad that instead of doing an introspection and trying to rebuild its image through dedicated and purposeful service of people the ruling party is indulging in mudslinging on its opponents” he said.
Mufti in his speech said that the NC resorted to gimmicks and strong arm tactics. “As a result, development has degenerated into photo opportunities for politicians, political process reduced to sloganeering and governance into a disaster the latest status of which is reflected in long queues of gas consumers in freezing cold”, Mufti added.
“Power deficiency has assumed the dimensions of a crisis even as the tariff has been raised manifold during the last four years and it is getting only worse with the advent of winter”, Mufti told the gathering.
Mufti claimed that because of its policies, agenda, vision and performance during its brief tenure as part of a coalition, PDP is gaining any ground among the people
He said in today’s world it is not possible to erase events like the mysterious death of Haji Yousuf or multi crore swindle in cricket association from public mind even though the agencies of state are used to hush them up, Mufti said adding “it is the public perception that makes and breaks parties and not money power or the tag of an old organization”.
Elaborating on the PDP policies and agenda, Mufti said even though the party had just 16 seats in 2002, it did not jump in haste to grab power at any cost.
“Party held detailed deliberations with the congress to work out a common minimum program that had the resolution of Kashmir issues as its main plank apart from other economic, administrative and political issues on it,” said Mufti
“Foundation for the failure of present government was laid on its very inauguration as NC in its capacity as the major partner pounced on power like a hungry person without devising any program for governance and it is no wonder that this government has disappointed even its strong supporters,” he added.
