J&K Education Minister Pins Article 370 Abrogation Squarely on PDP Using Mehbooba's Own Words
The J&K minister blamed the PDP for the Article 370 abrogation by reviving Mehbooba's old remark.
A political row erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as Education Minister Sakeena Itoo revived an old remark by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Referring to a 2016 statement, Itoo criticised the People's Democratic Party (PDP). She blamed the party for the abrogation of Article 370. The issue quickly escalated into a heated political exchange. Members across parties reacted strongly during the session.
The controversy centres around Mehbooba Mufti’s “doodh and toffee” remark. The statement was made after the 2016 firing incident in Kulgam. I too used the comment to question the PDP’s past governance decisions. She argued that such responses reflected insensitivity at the time. Her remarks reignited debate over accountability in the region. The reference drew sharp reactions from PDP leaders present.
During the session, Itoo responded to PDP MLA Rafiq Ahmad Naik on school upgradation issues. She stated that development in education is a shared responsibility. However, she accused the PDP of contributing to the region’s ongoing challenges. The minister linked past governance decisions to present conditions. Her comments intensified tensions within the Assembly. Opposition members objected to her claims.
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I too also highlighted that significant school upgradation had been approved earlier. She pointed to decisions taken during the tenure of Omar Abdullah’s government. According to her, nearly 842 schools were sanctioned for improvement before 2014. This was presented as a contrast to later developments. The remarks aimed to underline administrative differences across governments. The debate shifted between development and political accountability.
The exchange underscores ongoing political divisions in Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 continues to remain a sensitive issue. Leaders frequently revisit past events to support their arguments. The Assembly discussion reflected deeper tensions between rival parties. As debates continue, such remarks are likely to keep influencing political discourse.
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