'What Are You Waiting for Mehbooba': Omar Abdullah

SRINAGAR: “Are you afraid? Of course you must be. I would be terrified if I was in your place. I can't imagine how difficult it would be for you to take over without the benefit of your father's guidance and wisdom to steer your decisions. Unfortunately, you don't get to choose the circumstances under which you assume the responsibilities of the CM of J&K, but your fear can not be grounds enough to deny the people an elected government. The road ahead will be rocky and you will not know who you can turn to for objective, impartial advice but you must either rise to the occasion or else step back…”

Words of wisdom for PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti from former Chief Minister and National Conference scion Omar Abdullah. In an open letter to her Abdullah has questioned her wisdom in delaying a decision asking at one point, “which brings me to the one question I want to ask you - why are we being made to wait for a government? Your alliance with the BJP stands and no fresh negotiations are taking place, so why is the state under central rule? What are you waiting for, Mehbooba?”

Speculation is rife, the BJP is waiting in the wings, while Mehbooba Mufti is holding meetings and yet refusing to take over the post. She does give the impression of being confused and rudderless, taking her cinematographer brother Tassaduq Hussain for the first meeting with her party. This of course, has sparked off speculation about the political ambitions of the Onkara fame lensman who had at least till date made Hollywood a home, and stayed clear out of politics leaving the field to his father and sister.

There is no word from him about joining politics, with party members however, fairly certain that he is readying to take the plunge. More so, as Mehbooba Mufti “being a woman” would like a male member of her family to work alongside her now that Mufti is no longer there for the “shelter” sources insist she needs.

In the process Jammu and Kashmir continues under Presidents rule, with governance at a standstill. All decisions are in abeyance with the PDP having authorised her to take a decision at the meeting. A decision that she has still not taken.

The BJP, contrary to speculation, has not been pushing her nor has placed any impossible conditions. Sources said that Mehbooba Mufti herself seems reluctant to take control, and now it is no longer clear to anyone as “what is she waiting for.” In fact the official policy currently seems to be to leave her alone for as long as it takes, as the government has in effect passed into the hands of New Delhi.

Tassaduq Mufti is seven years younger than Mehbooba Mufti. He has shown little interest in politics, having graduated in cinema from the US and recognised as a talented cinematographer. He has been at her side since their fathers death, and his presence at the PDP core committee meeting has fed into the speculation that he could enter politics.

However, the delay is becoming increasingly inexplicable. Besides allowing journalists to have a free hand to speculate. The rumours centred around Mehbooba Mufti’s unhappiness with the BJP, the grief her party had reportedly given to Mufti since both allied in government, and is seeking assurances of a free hand. There seems to be little by way of substance in this, as except for a few visits in public by BJP leaders like Nitin Gadkari to commiserate, there seems to be little happening on the ground to suggest hectic talks to chalk out a future for cooperation.

The Congress party after the quick ten minute call by president Sonia Gandhi to meet Mehbooba Mufti, has also kept a distance. With little afoot there to even suggest a possible alliance between the PDP and the Congress at this stage. The mourning period too is well over, and Omar Abdullah seems to be reflecting the overriding sentiment now amongst Kashmiri voters: get on with it, take a decision.