Mufti faces flak for saying Pakistan, militants deserve credit for J&K polls

He was historically sworn in as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday but Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s first day in power  was just as memorable for him putting his foot in his mouth over the elections held in the state.

While speaking to reporters after his swearing in, Mufti said, “I want to say this on record and I have told this to the Prime Minister that the we must credit the Hurriyat, militant outfits for the conduct of assembly elections in the state.”

Flanked by deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh of BJP and newly inducted cabinet minister Haseeb Drabu, Sayeed said, “God forbid if they (militants) would have done something. It would not have been possible to have smooth conduct of the elections.”

“People from across the border made the atmosphere conducive. They also allowed the democratic process to continue in the state. This gives us a hope,” he said in a reference to Pakistan.

Kashmir had witnessed its highest turnout for the elections held last year in which the PDP emerged the largest party in terms of number of seats.

While the BJP stayed away from criticising its latest ally, others, like former chief minister Omar Abdullah weren’t as sparing.

"Pakistan, Huriyaat & Militants ALLOWED peaceful conduct of elections" says Mufti Syed. I guess we should be grateful for their generosity.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 1, 2015

Dear @BJP4India please explain roll of security forces & polling staff considering your CM just said "Pakistan allowed elections in J&K".

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 1, 2015

I just got a call from a JK Police officer saying did we not deserve a word of thanks from Mufti or are we cannon fodder in this.

— Rashneek Kher (@Rashneek) March 1, 2015

We demand clarification from @PMOindia on statement issued by CM of JK, Wt r his views? Or he is in accord with Mr Mufti on wt he had said?

— Royson Dsouza (@Royson_RD) March 1, 2015

Mufti thanking Pakistan is like BJP thanking Rahul mahajan for not joining BJP to help in LS polls #MuftiTakesCharge #MuftiThanksPakistan

— Wolf Gupta (@DesiIndianJack) March 1, 2015