SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday launched an attack on the National Conference (NC) accusing it of deceiving the people of Jammu Kashmir and failing to honour the promises it made during the elections.
Speaking at a public rally in Budgam, Mehbooba said that despite a year having passed since the NC assumed power, none of its electoral commitments — including free gas, free electricity, and free ration — have been fulfilled.
“One party replaces another, and people are made to believe that things will change,” she remarked. “A year ago, they (NC) vowed to oppose the installation of electricity meters and claimed they would throw them into the river. They promised 200 units of free power, pledged free gas for poor households, and spoke of free ration. What became of those promises?”
The PDP chief further alleged that the NC had also failed to address issues related to reservation injustice and had gone back on its assurance that no homes built on grazing land (gaas charai) would be demolished. “Today, not a single assurance has been kept,” she said.
Directly criticising NC Vice President Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba said, “Omar Sahab himself announced that he would contest from both Ganderbal and Budgam and would retain the seat where he received more votes. He secured more votes in Budgam, yet he abandoned it. What has he done for Budgam since then?”
She went on to say that while government employees are being dismissed, homes are being destroyed, and raids are frequent, Budgam continues to face neglect. “Omar Sahab visited Budgam just two days ago, but tell me, in the past year, has he held even one meeting here? Has he asked what can be done for Budgam, which still lacks a new MLA? Nothing of that sort has happened,” she stated.
Mehbooba accused NC representatives of only visiting Budgam for electoral gains, claiming they have failed to bring any tangible development to the area. “They claim everything has been safeguarded for the people — but have they really thought about the people of Budgam?” she questioned.
Recalling Budgam’s decades-long political loyalty to the NC, Mehbooba said, “Since 1977, you have continuously voted for the National Conference. You made Aga Mehmood Sahib your MLA and minister several times — so many that it’s hard to count. Even the Chief Minister once hailed from Budgam. But what have you gained? The roads remain in disrepair, and people’s lives have not improved.”
She urged the people of Budgam to introspect and support the PDP for genuine change and better governance.
