Show cause notice issued against Mohiudin
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 21: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today raised eyebrows over the support extended to National Conference’s Omar Abdullah by the Apni Party in the Budgam Assembly constituency, suspecting a “behind-the-curtain” deal.
Addressing a press conference, PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan said that Apni Party’s Muntazir Mohiudin “needs no introduction,” alleging that he has been working “as an important member of the BJP in J&K.”
“I ask Agha Ruhullah if he has discussed this issue with the party leadership and Omar Abdullah, because, recently, he said that he would resign if the NC allies with the BJP or any of their teams in Kashmir,” Bhan said.
“What is going on behind the curtains, and what happened that Omar had to take support from the BJP’s B-team? This has occurred in Aga Ruhullah’s home constituency,” he asked.
The PDP leader also pointed out that, despite the NC and its leaders speaking with conviction about the restoration of Articles 370 and 35-A, their sitting Members of Parliament have failed to back their words with actions.
”They have been stressing that they will ensure the restoration of Article 370, but they have two parliamentarians who have not tabled even a single bill on the matter in the house. They have already attended two sessions,” he said.
Bhan added that there is a discrepancy between what the NC says and what it does, raising questions about a potential understanding between them and the BJP.
“What is stopping them from tabling a bill in Parliament? Is there already an understanding with the BJP? People are questioning this, and so is the PDP. They have been talking about this with conviction, but now they have to answer. They claim they have nothing to do with the BJP, yet they need to clarify things,” he demanded.
Regarding the PDP’s stand post-elections, Mohit Bhan said that they would stand with any secular party that rises to power or needs their support.
It may be mentioned here that the Apni Party candidate from Budgam Mohiudin withdrew his nomination papers on September 9 and had said that he wants to give a chance to the people to opt for the deserving candidate.
The Apni Party leader told Excelsior on Sept 9 that it was difficult to win against Omar and was a futile exercise. ”The party decided and I withdrew my nomination papers, so that there is consolidation of votes,” he had said.
In the meantime, Apni Party issued a show cause notice to Mohiudin, for extending his support to Omar.
“To avoid a division of votes, I withdrew my candidacy. If Omar Abdullah wins from Budgam, then the problems faced by the people for the last three decades will be solved,” Mohiudin told reporters on Friday.
Incidentally, Mohiudin participated in a door-to-door campaign led by Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari in the Channapora constituency in Srinagar the same day.
The Apni Party has asked Muntazir to clarify his remarks supporting Omar Abdullah within 48 hours or face disciplinary action.
“Party has urged Muntazir (Mohiudin) to clarify his remarks before the party leadership within 48 hours, failing which, a disciplinary action will be initiated against him,” a statement issued by the Apni Party said.
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