Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of “betraying” the people of Budgam, saying the constituency had received nothing despite electing a Chief Minister.
Addressing party workers in Budgam which is set for a by-election, Mufti urged voters to bring change and “turn the flow of the river” after more than five decades of supporting the NC.
She said making the NC win again from Budgam would mean appreciating their “betrayal” and allowing them to “torment” people further.
“If you want change in Budgam, the flow of the river must change,” she said, accusing the NC of failing to deliver despite the constituency repeatedly voting for the party.
“You created a Chief Minister this year and ministers and MLAs before, but what did you get? One year has passed – how many times has he (the CM) come here? He abandoned this constituency,” she said.
Mufti alleged that the Chief Minister had chosen to keep a seat that gave him more votes and later “threw it away”, claiming he said he was forced to contest from two constituencies.
“They could not have done everything in one year, but at least they should have kept their promises. Those who break promises – how can we trust them?” she asked.
Listing unfulfilled promises – including assurances of free electricity, drinking water, gas, jobs, and rationalized reservation – Mufti said people in Budgam continued to face basic problems such as drinking-water shortages.
“They made endless promises. And you know which promise was fulfilled,” she said sarcastically.
Mufti also indirectly criticised the NC for paving the way for the BJP to win one Rajya Sabha seat, stressing that the PDP had instead offered its support in the interest of the people.
“We gave our votes for the Rajya Sabha elections in the interest of the people. We brought bills and asked them to support us. We used it for the people. You gave them 50 seats – they kept three Rajya Sabha seats for themselves and gave one to the BJP,” she said.
Warning voters against returning the NC to power, Mufti said, “If you vote for them again, you are appreciating their betrayal of Budgam. They will think they are right and will continue to torment the people.”
Mufti said Budgam, a politically significant district, had long been used as a stepping stone by the NC to attain power but was never prioritized in governance or development.
Appealing to the people of Budgam to rally behind PDP candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, Mufti said the party stood for dignity, justice, and accountable leadership.
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