Srinagar, Jan 3: Senior National Conference leader Salman Ali Sagar on Saturday alleged that house arrests, political disempowerment and weakening of democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir were a direct outcome of the 2014 alliance between the People’s Democratic Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Talking to reporters, Sagar said the PDP managed to get some political breathing space through the Budgam by-election, but alleged that the “seat was manipulated”. He said the present situation in J&K was the result of decisions taken by PDP leadership, which, according to him, pushed the region into a prolonged crisis, as per KNT.
Sagar said several issues continue to exist and need to be addressed through political and administrative measures. He clarified that his party was not claiming that all problems had been resolved. However, he maintained that the condition of the electricity supply had improved compared to the past.
Responding to allegations of political understanding with the BJP, Sagar said there was no match-fixing between his party and the BJP. He said differing opinions within the party, including views expressed by Aga Ruhullah, reflect the internal democratic culture of the party where members are free to speak their minds.