Mehbooba accuses BJP, NC of betraying J&K’s trust

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and National Conference (NC), accusing both parties of failing the people of Jammu and Kashmir despite enjoying large electoral mandates.

Addressing a large gathering here to celebrate the 26th Foundation Day of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s vision of “dignity, dialogue and justice,” saying the region’s problems cannot be solved from Delhi but must be addressed through internal peace and regional unity.

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“BJP ruled at the Centre and in J&K till 2024. What did they deliver for Jammu despite securing 29 seats? NC got 42 seats and promised free electricity, LPG cylinders and jobs. Where are the results?” she asked.

She accused both parties of betraying public trust. “Unemployment is at its peak, inflation is unbearable, and resources have been handed over to outsiders,” she said. “Peace cannot be imposed from above. Until there’s internal harmony, development will remain a distant dream,” she added.

Recalling Mufti Sayeed’s political journey, she said he left the Congress to build a political alternative focused on peace with dignity, not force. “Mufti Sahab opposed gun culture and believed in dialogue — a vision even Atal Bihari Vajpayee respected,” she noted.
Mehbooba said the region continues to suffer despite its rich resources. “Our water generates power for the country. We have blue sapphire, and skilled youth — yet we remain backward,” she said.

She accused the BJP of stoking communal divisions. “They exploit Hindu-Muslim sentiments and even demolish mosques for political gain. This year alone, six tribal children have died in violence. I grew up here and never saw such divides,” Mufti said.

Mehbooba also cautioned against rising militarism and warned that global arms trade could push the subcontinent toward war. “It only takes one blast in Kashmir or Jammu for tensions to spiral. The world wants to sell weapons; we end up with body bags,” she said.

Calling for unity across regions, she recalled her father’s effort to open cross-border roads for trade. “He opened Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot routes — to end hostility, not prolong it,” she said.

She appealed to people to strengthen PDP’s vision, “Only by walking together can we end poverty, restore democracy, and bring lasting peace to Jammu and Kashmir,” Mufti said.