A visit by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti to the upcoming AIIMS site at Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district has triggered a political row in the Valley.
Mehbooba's Visit to AIIMS Site
Earlier this week, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, accompanied by two legislators, visited the AIIMS-Awantipora site to "understand the progress being made on the project and engage with the concerned agencies on the ground." The PDP stated that "she reiterated her commitment to supporting every effort aimed at the early completion of this important healthcare institution." During the visit, she interacted with officials and executing agencies to gain firsthand insight into the challenges affecting the project's progress.
National Conference's Reaction
The move has drawn sharp criticism from the ruling National Conference (NC). NC social media incharge Ifrah Jan questioned the capacity in which Mufti visited the site, stating, "Only a person with an official mandate - Legislative or Executive - can summon the officials and review the project." She asked, "In what capacity did Mufti review the Central Government project?" NC leader and MLA Sajjad Shaheen termed it "Strange times indeed!" He added, "A leader who holds no constitutional or elected office today is visiting an under-construction AIIMS and acting as if she is reviewing a government project. The people of J&K are no longer fooled by such political optics. Those who had years in power and failed to deliver cannot suddenly return for photo opportunities and claim ownership. Shameful!"
Sajad Lone's Criticism
Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference Chief and MLA Sajad Lone described the incident as "Irony died a thousand deaths today on Kashmiri politics." On X, he said, "In a move packed with audacity, former CM Mehbooba Mufti Sahiba chaired a review meeting at AIIMS." He expressed disbelief that the Chief Minister had not reacted to an event which "erodes even further an already eroded power structure in J&K." Lone asserted, "This is a direct hit at the constitutional competencies of the elected government. And these constitutional competencies are the constitutional assets of the people of J&K."
Mehbooba's Response
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said she spoke with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and "requested him to expedite the ongoing work at AIIMS Awantipora so that it doesn't get delayed any further. He was kind enough to assure me about its completion well on time." She added, "Undoubtedly the team assigned here is toiling day & night but given how healthcare is crumbling across J&K it's imperative AIIMS Awantipora is operational soon. Will provide much needed relief & quality medical services."
PDP Leader's Statement
PDP leader Iltija Mufti commented on Saturday, "AIIMS-Awantipora is still incomplete a decade after Mufti Sahab laid its foundation in 2015! At least for whatever reason AIIMS-Awantipora is back in focus. This government's priorities & sense of entitlement will cost people of J&K deeply."
