New Delhi: In a sharp critique of the National Conference (NC) and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has accused the party of betraying the trust of the people by neglecting crucial issues of merit and reservation.
Mufti claimed that despite the NC’s strong presence in both Parliament and the state legislature, little to no action has been taken to address these concerns. “NC has 2 MPs and around 50 MLAs, with such a strong majority, I had hoped they would resolve this. Instead, they’ve chosen to ignore it, leaving the youth helpless and disillusioned,” Mufti said.
Mufti’s criticism centres on the perceived failure of the NC to champion the rights of deserving candidates, particularly in the context of reservation policies. “Merit has become the biggest victim. Students are raising questions as to why should they work hard or qualify themselves through their efforts when the result of their hard work does not turn into opportunities,” she said.
She argues that the current system disenfranchises meritorious students who work hard but are denied opportunities due to perceived flaws and inequities within the existing reservation framework. This, she claims, is leading to widespread frustration and disillusionment among the youth.
Mufti points to the significant electoral support the NC received in both the parliamentary and assembly elections, particularly based on promises to reform the reservation system and ensure fairness for all. She emphasised that voters had faith that the NC’s substantial representation in Parliament (two MPs) and the state assembly (around 50 MLAs) would translate into tangible action to address the issue. However, more than a year after the elections, she claims there has been no meaningful progress, leaving the youth feeling abandoned.
“People voted for them hoping they would address our problems or at least speak up in Parliament. It’s been over a year, and not a single MP has raised a reservation policy issue. The matter has been conveniently left to the courts, which is deeply unfortunate,” she added.
The PDP leader specifically criticizes the NC’s decision to leave the resolution of the reservation policy to the courts. Mufti argues that the NC, with its considerable political influence, has the power to directly address this issue and should not abdicate its responsibility to the judiciary.
She urged Abdullah to take immediate action and implement policy changes that reflect the population demographics, ensuring fairness and justice for all deserving candidates. “You have the power to solve this problem. Why are you putting it in court? Reservation should be decided according to the population so that justice is done to all,” he said.
