Srinagar, June 6: Health Minister Sakina Ittoo and current MLA Sajjad Lone have criticized former Chief Minister and opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti. They took issue with her presiding over a review meeting for the development of AIIMS in Awantipora, Anantnag district.
Minister Sakina Ittoo questioned Mufti’s decision to lead the review meeting. She stated on X that some individuals might be suffering from “political amnesia,” behaving as if they are still in power, despite being repeatedly rejected by the public since losing power in 2018.
Ittoo emphasized that the current elected government is led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and questioned Mufti’s authority to review the AIIMS Awantipora project. She also inquired about which power center in Delhi was directing such activities.
It is ironic, she noted, that those responsible for the slow progress of the AIIMS project are now attempting to take credit for its advancement. The project is moving forward due to the focused efforts, oversight, and commitment of the Omar Abdullah-led government.
Sajjad Lone also criticized Mufti on X, questioning her authority to preside over a central institution’s review meeting despite not being an MLA. He argued that if she can do so, then non-elected officials from the Union or BJP could claim similar rights, as they have more representation. He asked what prevents leaders like Farooq Abdullah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, or Nirmal Singh from presiding over such meetings and whether such political authority exists elsewhere in India.
Lone suggested that Mehbooba Mufti may have opened the door for non-elected and politically unwanted individuals to preside over meetings in Kashmir. He urged the Chief Minister to clarify these issues, stating that this incident is constitutionally inappropriate. Lone labeled Mufti’s actions as unconstitutional interference.
Notably, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti had previously stated on X that she spoke with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, requesting to expedite the ongoing work at AIIMS Awantipora to avoid further delays. She claimed he assured her that the work would be completed on time.
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