Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, dismissed accusations made by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti regarding 25,000 alleged backdoor appointments. Abdullah, speaking at a Muharram event, criticized Mufti and her party for what he called “hypocrisy to remain politically relevant.” He refuted claims of backdoor appointments by stating that those accusing his government had themselves made illegal appointments, some of which were nullified by the courts.
Abdullah also alleged that individuals associated with Mufti’s family had benefited from irregular recruitment practices. He specifically mentioned Sartaj Madni’s son, who he claimed was appointed through a backdoor process and later removed following court orders. The Chief Minister highlighted alleged irregularities in Jammu and Kashmir Bank appointments, stating that many cases are still being investigated by authorities.
Challenging Mufti to provide evidence to support her allegations, Abdullah asserted that his government was ready to respond with facts. He emphasized that his administration would not entertain baseless accusations and mentioned that senior ministers would soon address the press to present all relevant information on the matter.
Mehbooba Mufti had claimed that around 25,000 backdoor appointments occurred during the NC government’s 25-month tenure in Jammu and Kashmir. She alleged that these appointments lacked transparency and were made through private outsourcing agencies outside the established recruitment process. Mufti stated that she possessed the appointment orders but refrained from disclosing the appointees’ identities for their protection.
