Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 15: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC) leadership on Tuesday, accusing the ruling party of neglecting Muslim concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly over the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Addressing the media, Iltija sharply criticized NC president Farooq Abdullah and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for their silence on the Waqf Act during the recent Assembly session. She alleged that while states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have passed resolutions against the Act, the NC leadership has failed to even initiate a discussion.
“Farooq Sahib, whose son is the Chief Minister, must explain what Omar was doing during the three days of the J&K Assembly session. While other states addressed the Waqf issue, our CM was strolling with Rijiju ji in the Tulip Garden,” she said.
Iltija further accused the NC of engaging in corruption with regard to AUQAF properties and claimed the party has a “tacit understanding” with the BJP.
“Everyone knows the level of corruption in AUQAF during NC’s rule. Saying the matter is sub-judice is a convenient excuse to avoid accountability. The people of J&K feel let down. As the CM of a Muslim-majority state, Omar Abdullah should take a stand,” she added.
Her remarks follow similar criticism by Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) president Sajad Lone, who also questioned the NC’s silence on the Waqf Act during the Assembly proceedings.
In response, Farooq Abdullah defended the Speaker’s decision to block debate on the Act, saying that the issue is currently under Supreme Court consideration.
“This Bill violates the Constitution. The Speaker did the right thing by not allowing a discussion. We must wait for the Supreme Court’s verdict,” said Abdullah, dismissing the Opposition’s remarks as political posturing.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act has become a flashpoint in J&K politics, with opposition parties accusing the NC of failing to defend Muslim interests, while the NC insists the matter is best addressed legally.