Waheed Parra Says NC Using Rajya Sabha Row to Divert Attention From ‘Urdu Erasure’

Srinagar, May 6, KNT: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Ur Rehman Parra on Tuesday rejected allegations made by the ruling National Conference (NC) over the recent Rajya Sabha voting outcome, saying the controversy was being used to divert attention from “more substantive concerns,” including the Siraj-ul-Aloom issue and the alleged erasure of Urdu from official records.

In a detailed statement, Parra said the National Conference’s criticism of the PDP over the Rajya Sabha elections was “misplaced” and “counterproductive.”

“This is not fundamentally about the Rajya Sabha,” Parra said, adding that the issue was being projected to shift focus away from other controversies confronting the government.

The PDP leader also revisited recent political developments, accusing the National Conference of dismantling the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) and excluding the PDP from the INDIA alliance arrangement during the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

“Against this backdrop, it is clear that the PDP did not owe cooperation to the NC. Yet, we extended unconditional support, even while being aware of internal dissent within the National Conference,” he said.

Parra said blaming the PDP for the Rajya Sabha outcome was inaccurate and asserted that “the failure lies close to Nawai Subh,” in an apparent reference to the Chief Minister’s office.

Defending PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Parra said she neither abstained from the voting process nor imposed any conditions on support.

“Her only suggestion was to secure the third Rajya Sabha seat and avoid turning the uncertain fourth seat, declined by Congress, into a blame game,” he said.

Parra further questioned the National Conference’s criticism regarding the appointment of polling agents during the Rajya Sabha voting process.

“If their reason for crying foul against the PDP is that the PDP didn’t appoint an agent for its three votes, then what would make them trust a PDP-appointed agent if they are unwilling to trust PDP legislators themselves?” he asked.

The PDP legislator also referred to previous remarks made by NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi regarding communication gaps within the National Conference during Vice Presidential elections.

“In targeting the PDP, the National Conference has not weakened a rival but has instead undermined the trust extended to it in good faith,” Parra said.

He warned that attacks on the PDP could ultimately weaken broader opposition unity in Jammu and Kashmir and benefit the BJP politically.

“Omar Sahab, I wish you stability and strength at this critical juncture,” Parra said while addressing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah indirectly.

“Rather than dwelling on the one lost Rajya Sabha seat and attributing blame to the PDP, the government would do well to focus on ensuring that its 50 MLAs and five MPs deliver effective governance,” he added. [KNT]