SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Education and Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday accused former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti of being “hungry for power” and held her responsible for the loss of Article 370, statehood, and the current situation in the Union Territory.
Itoo alleged that the PDP president had rejected an unconditional offer of support from National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah aimed at keeping the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power in Jammu and Kashmir.
“When she was in government with the BJP and when the BJP removed her, Farooq Abdullah offered her unconditional support. He said we do not need any ministry or office, but keep the BJP away. She rejected that support because she wanted to remain in power,” Itoo said.
The minister said Mehbooba Mufti’s decision to align with the BJP ultimately resulted in the abrogation of the region’s special status.
“Today there is no state, no Article 370, no 35A, no jobs. Thousands are in jail. People have no home, and no remaining authority. She has destroyed Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
Referring to the post-2019 political developments, Itoo said Abdullah had again invited all political parties to unite on a common platform, but claimed Mehbooba Mufti stayed away.
“She only wants power. She is trying to regain power. She has no sincerity or loyalty towards the people. She has destroyed Jammu and Kashmir,” the NC leader added.
On recent demolition drives, Itoo also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration, while questioning why action was not being taken against influential encroachers.
“Why are the poor always targeted? How many BJP MLAs have occupied thousands of kanals of land? Why is no action taken against them? The poor are always targeted, which is very unfortunate,” she said.
She reiterated that the National Conference remains committed to pursuing the restoration of statehood, Article 370, and the identity of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)
