Srinagar, June 26: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday strongly rejected allegations of backdoor appointments against his government, describing the accusations as a case of “ulta chor kotwal ko daante (the thief scolding the police chief).”
Accusing the former PDP-BJP coalition government of carrying out illegal recruitments themselves, the Chief Minister threw an open challenge to his critics to produce evidence supporting their allegations.
Interacting with media after taking part in Ashura commemorations in Srinagar, Abdullah said those making the allegations had themselves presided over backdoor appointments.
“Let them make an allegation with evidence. Give me the name of a single candidate who got a backdoor appointment under our government, and we are ready to explain,” he said.
The CM said he was prepared to answer any allegation backed by proof.
Omar dismissed the accusations as “baseless” and said his government would soon present its detailed response.
“There is a Hindi saying: ‘Ulta chor kotwal ko daante’ (the thief turns around and scolds the police chief). Those who made the largest number of illegal and backdoor appointments are now making these allegations,” he said.
Referring to the Mehbooba Mufti-led Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, Abdullah alleged that the son of her maternal uncle, Sartaj Madani, had secured a backdoor appointment before being removed following court directions.
Earlier this week, Mehbooba had alleged that 25000 backdoor appointments have been made by the incumbent National Conference government.
