'BJP should be thanking Omar Abdullah,' says Mehbooba; her reason...
What's the story
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be grateful to the Sheikh family, particularly Sheikh Abdullah, for their pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India.
This statement came in response to PM Modi's accusations against the Congress, National Conference (NC), and PDP on Thursday for compromising the region's youth future for political advantage.
Gratitude expressed
Mufti highlights BJP's gratitude toward Omar Abdullah
Mufti further stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should also express gratitude to Omar Abdullah for advancing their agenda in the Union Territory.
She recalled, "When Omar Abdullah was a minister in the Vajpayee government, he was often taken around the world to say that Jammu and Kashmir is not a political issue, but rather a matter of terrorism that should be resolved by attacking Pakistan."
Past agreement
Mufti recalls BJP's agreement to PDP's conditions
The PDP chief also recalled how the BJP sought their support for three months to form a government, agreeing to all their terms and conditions.
"And we placed conditions that there should be no tampering with Article 370, AFSPA should be revoked, and there should be dialogue with Pakistan," Mufti said.
She added that her party insisted on the BJP engaging in dialogue with the Hurriyat in Kashmir, leading to a delegation being sent from New Delhi.
Election rally
PM Modi's address at Srinagar election rally
"They (BJP) came to our doorstep themselves. The BJP made Omar Abdullah a minister to use him for their own purposes. The party initiated the approach. Then why the change in stance?" she questioned.
In 2015, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was sworn in as chief minister of J&K following two months of discussions between the PDP and BJP to form a coalition government.