Srinagar, Oct 05: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Monday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of double standards on political unity and alleged that bureaucratic interference was undermining the functioning of Jammu and Kashmir’s elected government.
Speaking at the Halla Bol event in Srinagar, Sadiq questioned PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s position on taking up issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, accusing her of a gap between her statements and actions.
“If you want to apologise, apologise. Do not apologise with excuses,” Sadiq said, criticising what he described as attempts to justify a controversial statement after making it.
He alleged that such explanations gave ammunition to those harassing people from Jammu and Kashmir.
“I do not think this behoves her,” he said, referring to Mehbooba Mufti. He questioned the PDP leader’s call for unity, asking what purpose it would serve if the objective was to reverse the developments of August 2019.
“Who brought us to this situation? Mehbooba Mufti did,” Sadiq said, alleging a contradiction between her words and actions. He also questioned her stated intention to take up national and Jammu and Kashmir-related issues at Jantar Mantar, describing it as “a drama” and an attempt to mislead people.
‘Bureaucratic interference is not healthy’
On the alleged role of the bureaucracy in obstructing the restoration of statehood and the functioning of the Omar Abdullah government, Sadiq said bureaucrats were taking directions from elsewhere, but warned that their perceived interference in an elected government’s functioning set a damaging precedent.
“We all know where the bureaucracy is getting its directions from,” he said. “But if the bureaucracy is calling the shots, I think it sets a very bad precedent for an elected government, not just here but across the country.”
Sadiq alleged that deliberate hurdles were being placed in the way of the Omar Abdullah-led government.
“Whatever the Omar Abdullah government is doing, deliberate obstacles are being created. This should not happen,” he said.
He said the demand for restoration of statehood was intended, among other things, to strengthen the elected government and ensure that it could function effectively.
“That is precisely why we brought the statehood resolution, which the BJP opposed,” he said.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir’s distinct geographical and security circumstances, including its borders with different countries, Sadiq argued that the Union Territory could not be treated like an ordinary state.
“Empowering an elected government here and strengthening its authority is very important,” he said, describing the prevailing bureaucratic arrangement as “not a healthy precedent”.
Warns PDP against targeting NC leaders
Sadiq also criticised the manner in which a senior political leader was questioned at the Halla Bol event, warning the PDP against what he portrayed as an attempt to intimidate political opponents.
“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.
He described the questioning of an elderly leader in such a manner as inconsistent with democratic conduct.
“Speaking to an elderly leader in this manner is not right from a democratic point of view,” Sadiq said.
Accusing the person concerned of misrepresenting his political affiliations, he said he was aware of the individual’s connections and associations. Sadiq also criticised the PDP’s political record, alleging that the party had contributed to Jammu and Kashmir’s destruction.
“If you want to continue this kind of politics, remember that we have 50 constituencies. Wherever they go, we will ask their leaders such questions that they will not be able to speak again,” he said.
He, however, urged the PDP not to push the NC into escalating political confrontation.
“My humble request is that you should not take us to that level. We can take politics to that level as well,” he said.
Responds to Bukhari’s allegations
Responding to allegations raised by Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari concerning construction linked to a person identified as Mr Chawla, Sadiq suggested that someone from the Apni Party was connected to the matter.
“I think there is someone from the Apni Party who is connected to this,” he said, referring to a video in which the contractor had allegedly explained his position.
Sadiq challenged Bukhari to substantiate his allegations and said the government had not handed over any government property to anyone.
“First of all, no government property has been given to anyone, and Tourism has not de-notified anything of this kind,” he said.
He added that the matter had already been clarified by the concerned adviser and called for evidence if any wrongdoing had taken place.
“If there is any truth to this, let them come forward and show us where we have gone wrong,” Sadiq said
