Srinagar, Aug 7 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of working in tandem with “agencies” to deflect attention from the controversy surrounding the party’s “banta hai” remark, alleging that its recent actions were aimed at regaining lost political credibility.
Speaking to reporters here, Abdullah claimed the PDP’s image had suffered following the controversial remark and alleged that attempts were being made to shift the public discourse.
“The PDP’s credibility had taken a hit after the ‘banta hai’ remark. Whenever the party finds itself in such a situation, agencies come to its rescue. What we are seeing now appears to be a fixed match,” he said.
Referring to PDP leader Iltija Mufti, the chief minister dismissed the party’s recent allegations, saying they lacked credibility.
“Iltija Mufti is not a five-year-old child. Even a child knows such claims do not make sense. These are nothing but publicity stunts aimed at changing the narrative,” Abdullah said.
He alleged that the PDP was trying to divert public attention from the political fallout of the controversial remark, adding that such tactics reflected the party’s current state.
On a separate issue, Abdullah welcomed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent observation that criticism of the government should not automatically be viewed as anti-national.
He said there was a clear distinction between opposing a government and opposing the nation, asserting that constructive criticism often helped strengthen democratic institutions.
Abdullah cited the controversy over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, saying public criticism and protests had prompted corrective measures and could lead to improvements in the examination process.
“Questioning the government is not against the country. At times, such criticism serves the national interest by ensuring accountability and correcting mistakes,” he said.(KNS).
