AIIMS Awantipora review triggers political row

Srinagar, Jun 6: A political controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir over the progress of the AIIMS Awantipora project, with leaders from the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) engaging in a war of words over former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s recent visit to the premier healthcare institution.
The debate gained momentum after Mehbooba Mufti revealed that she had spoken to Union Health Minister J P Nadda and urged him to expedite the ongoing work at AIIMS Awantipora.
In a post on X, Mehbooba said she requested the Union Minister to ensure that the project does not face any further delays.
“Spoke with Union Health Minister JP Nadda ji and requested him to expedite the ongoing work at AIIMS Awantipora so that it doesn’t get delayed any further. He was kind enough to assure me about its completion well on time,” she wrote.
She acknowledged the efforts of the construction team but stressed the urgent need for the institution to become operational in view of the healthcare challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir.
“Undoubtedly the team assigned here is toiling day and night, but given how healthcare is crumbling across J&K, it is imperative AIIMS Awantipora is operational soon. It will provide much-needed relief and quality medical services,” Mehbooba stated.
However, her visit and subsequent remarks drew sharp criticism from ruling National Conference leaders, who questioned the propriety of an unelected political leader reviewing the status of an ongoing government project.
NC MLA and Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq termed the move “unconstitutional” and said such actions could set an unhealthy precedent.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Sadiq said that project reviews are the responsibility of the elected government and authorized officials.
“If such a precedent is set where any elected or unelected person starts visiting departments and reviewing projects, it would be very wrong. It appears an attempt is being made to convey that unelected individuals are more powerful than those elected by the people,” he said.
He argued that constitutional norms do not permit such interventions and warned that it could open doors for others to engage in similar practices.
Sadiq further alleged that political motives were behind the controversy and linked it to previous political developments in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Whenever major political developments take place, there are attempts to create a negative atmosphere. If someone genuinely wants to resolve an issue, it is done through proper channels and not through social media,” he said.
Referring to Mehbooba Mufti’s public communication regarding AIIMS, he claimed that the issue had already been taken up through official channels and that publicizing it reflected political intent.
“When the letter was shared on social media, it became clear that politics was involved. The Chief Minister had already discussed the matter, and she could have waited for the outcome,” he added.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo, had said that some people seem to be suffering from political amnesia. They still behave as if they are in power, even though they lost office in 2018 and have since been repeatedly rejected by the people,” she said.
PDP leader and MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para defended Mehbooba Mufti and accused the government of focusing on politics instead of addressing healthcare concerns.
Para alleged that the administration was more concerned about who visited AIIMS than ensuring the institution becomes functional at the earliest.
“J&K is in the midst of a health emergency. Cancer is taking lives every single day, yet those in power seem more concerned about who visits AIIMS than why it is still not fully functional,” he said. (KNO)