SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference (PC) and Apni Party, accusing them of acting as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) “A, B and C teams” and holding them responsible for enabling the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
Addressing a special party meeting at the NC headquarters here, Sagar alleged that the PDP’s alliance with the BJP in 2015 allowed the saffron party to expand its political footprint in Jammu and Kashmir, eventually leading to the August 5, 2019 constitutional changes.
“Those who escorted the BJP into the corridors of power, legitimised its political footprint and enabled the assault on Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional identity have no moral, political or ideological right to lecture the National Conference on Articles 370 and 35A,” Sagar said.
The meeting reviewed organisational affairs, upcoming party programmes and relief measures undertaken by the government following recent weather-related damage across Jammu and Kashmir. Party leaders also hailed the National Conference-led protest in New Delhi seeking restoration of statehood and thanked political parties and individuals who participated in the demonstration.
Criticising the PDP, Peoples Conference and Apni Party for staying away from the protest, Sagar alleged that the three parties chose to “appease their political masters” instead of joining what he described as a united struggle for Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
Launching a fresh attack on the PDP, Sagar accused the party of compromising Jammu and Kashmir’s interests for political power through its alliance with the BJP.
He also dismissed PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s recent criticism of the National Conference, saying it reflected “political desperation” rather than principle. According to Sagar, the PDP was responsible for creating the political circumstances that culminated in the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Referring to the Peoples Conference, Sagar alleged that the party abandoned the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) to gain favour with the BJP and recalled remarks made by its founder regarding Article 370. He also described the Apni Party as a post-August 5 political formation created to legitimise the constitutional changes introduced by the Centre.
The NC leader further accused the PDP of using the PAGD alliance for electoral gains during the District Development Council elections before distancing itself from the alliance.
Reiterating the National Conference’s stand, Sagar said Articles 370 and 35A remain central to the party’s political ideology and described them as part of the constitutional legacy of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
He said restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood was the first constitutional step towards reclaiming rights lost after August 5, 2019, and asserted that the party would continue its political and legal struggle on the issue.
The meeting was also addressed by Women’s Wing president and Habba Kadal MLA Shameema Firdous and NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar.
