Srinagar, June 6: According to observers, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party could have played a vital role in getting the NC, Congress manifestos implemented by making the coalition government accountable. “But the party is not going beyond issuing odd one or two statements a week on administrative issues or harping about clichéd ‘Kashmir resolution’ phrase. They could have launched a sustained movement to get things done on the governance front and also pursue its Self-Rule document very vigorously,” said a political analyst.
“While the government can be blamed for having failed to deliver on governance, PDP has failed to play the role of a responsible and responsive opposition,” the analyst said.
 He said the Self-Rule document calls for free movement of people and goods across the borders, thus making them irrelevant and also strengthening of the Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir. “There are certain common issues like strengthening of special status and demilitarization of civilian areas and revocation of AFSPA which both NC and PDP could pursue jointly. But they are not doing it,” the political analyst, wishing anonymity, said.
 It is alleged that some of the PDP legislators are, of late, seen hovering around a few sitting ministers for “personal benefits” rather than bothering about the issues facing their constituencies. Some of them are even accused of pleading before the ministers for appointing their relatives in government, while some are allegedly asking for land for commercial and residential purposes.
 According to sources, daughter of a PDP legislator from North Kashmir was recently appointed as PRO in a premier health institution in Kashmir under a ‘collusive pact’ with the government.
 At least three PDP legislators, according to sources, are seen spending more time with chief minister Omar Abdullah, for petty personal benefits, rather than attending to their constituencies.
 However, PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti feels that comparing agenda of PDP with that of NC would be unfair. “That would be belittling the agenda of PDP. The National Conference damaged whatever was achieved by us when we ruled the state. The NC repeated the past mistakes. So there can be no comparison between the two agendas,” she told Greater Kashmir.
 She feels the situation vis-à-vis governance has gone out of control in the state. “When PDP-Congress coalition government ruled the state, there was an overall atmospheric change. There was a feel-good factor visible on ground. There was development from North to South. We never discriminated on the basis of constituencies. But National Conference reversed all that we had gained,” she said.
 Mehbooba refuted the allegations that her party leaders were after “personal benefits.” “At our level, we are doing our job and playing the role of a responsible opposition,” she said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 7 Jun 2011 00:00:00 IST