J&K CM Abdullah hits back at Mehbooba Mufti on backdoor appointments allegation

Srinagar, June 26 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Friday strongly refuted allegations levelled against the National Conference (NC) government by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti, regarding 25,000 alleged backdoor appointments.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the 10th day Muharram procession, which CM Omar joined in Zadibal area on Friday, he accused Mehbooba Mufti and her party of “hypocrisy to remain political relevant”.

Dismissing allegations that 25,000 backdoor appointments had been made by the NC government, CM Omar Abdullah said, “Ulta Chor Kotwal Ko Dante. Those who made the highest number of illegal and backdoor appointments are now making these allegations. Should we forget that many of their backdoor appointments were cancelled by the courts?”

The Chief Minister also alleged that even individuals linked to Mufti’s family had benefitted from irregular recruitment processes.

He cited the example of Sartaj Madni’s son, claiming he was appointed through a “backdoor process” and later removed following court directions.

Abdullah further referred to alleged irregularities in Jammu and Kashmir Bank appointments, many of which, he said, remain under investigation by probe agencies.

“If I begin counting the backdoor appointments made during the PDP-BJP government, you would not have enough time to hear the entire list,” he added.

Challenging Mufti to substantiate her claims, the Chief Minister said his government was prepared to respond with facts. “Let them produce even a single piece of evidence to support their allegations.”

“Name just one candidate who has been given a backdoor appointment under our government, and we will explain,” he said, asserting that his administration would not engage in responding to “baseless allegations”.

He also said the government has compiled all relevant information on the issue.

“God willing, within the next one or two days, two of my senior ministers will address the Press and place all the facts before the people,” CM Abdullah added.

Mehbooba Mufti, on Thursday alleged that around 25,000 backdoor appointments had been made in Jammu and Kashmir during the 25-month tenure of the NC government, claiming that vacancies in government departments were filled through private outsourcing agencies without transparency and outside the established recruitment process.

“There are about 25,000 backdoor entries in 25 months. I have the orders as well, but I do not want to disclose the identities of those appointed for their protection,” she said.

–IANS

sq/rad