SRINAGAR: Senior National Conference leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Monday accused the Peoples Democratic Party of adopting double standards on political unity and alleged that bureaucratic interference was hampering the functioning of the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at a Halla Bol event in Srinagar, Sadiq questioned PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s call for political unity and her proposal to raise Jammu and Kashmir-related and national issues at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Sadiq accused Mufti of a disconnect between her statements and actions, particularly over a controversial remark and the subsequent explanation. “If you want to apologise, apologise. Do not apologise with excuses,” he said.
He also alleged that such explanations could provide ammunition to those who harass people from Jammu and Kashmir.
Questioning the PDP’s appeal for unity, Sadiq asked what purpose it would serve if the stated objective was to reverse the developments of August 2019. He alleged that Mufti herself had contributed to the situation and described the proposed Jantar Mantar programme as “a drama” aimed at misleading people.
On the functioning of the Omar Abdullah-led government, Sadiq alleged that bureaucrats were taking directions from outside and creating deliberate obstacles for the elected administration.
“We all know where the bureaucracy is getting its directions from,” he said, warning that bureaucratic control over an elected government would establish a “very bad precedent” not only in Jammu and Kashmir but across the country.
“Whatever the Omar Abdullah government is doing, deliberate obstacles are being created. This should not happen,” he said.
Sadiq said restoration of statehood was also aimed at strengthening the authority of the elected government and enabling it to function effectively. He referred to the statehood resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which he said had been opposed by the BJP.
He argued that Jammu and Kashmir’s geographical and security circumstances, including its borders with different countries, made it important to strengthen the elected administration rather than allow excessive bureaucratic control.
Sadiq also criticised the questioning of a senior political leader at the event, calling the manner in which the elderly leader was addressed undemocratic. He warned the PDP against setting what he described as a precedent of political intimidation.
“If you want to set this precedent, let me tell you one thing: wherever your leaders go, we will send our people there and ensure that they face such harassment that they will never be able to come forward again,” he said.
Sadiq, however, appealed to the PDP not to push the NC towards an escalation in political confrontation, saying his party could respond in kind if provoked.
