Srinagar, June 5: National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq on Friday defended his party’s decision to stage a protest in New Delhi during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, dismissing criticism from opposition parties as political point-scoring and asserting that elected representatives have a responsibility to press for restoration of statehood.
Speaking to reporters, Sadiq said the proposed protest by National Conference legislators was aimed at reminding both Houses of Parliament about the commitment made regarding restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
“Opposition parties are trying to score brownie points. It is all politics. What can be better for the people than elected representatives going to Delhi and reminding the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha that statehood was promised and should now be restored?” Sadiq said.
His remarks come days after several opposition leaders criticized the National Conference for announcing a Delhi protest without first consulting other political parties.
Sadiq maintained that the decision reflected the aspirations of the people and claimed that the move had received support from various quarters.
He said Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam had congratulated the party and described the initiative as representing the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Targeting opposition criticism, Sadiq questioned the motives behind public statements and social media campaigns surrounding the statehood issue.
Referring to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, he said there was no need to publicly share correspondence on social media when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had already conveyed his willingness to meet her.
“What was the need to post a letter on social media when the Chief Minister had told her that he would meet her on Monday? Dirty politics is being played,” Sadiq said.
The NC leader also rejected suggestions that the party was attempting to monopolize the statehood campaign.
“Who is stopping the opposition from joining us? If the leadership feels it is necessary, invitations can be sent. For the moment, we believe elected members should go to Delhi and stage a protest on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament,” he said.
Sadiq further sought to dispel speculation about differences between the National Conference and its alliance partner Congress.
“There is no tussle or contradiction between the National Conference and Congress. Both parties are on the same page,” he said. [KNT]
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