Mehbooba Mufti Claims Government Policies Linked to Delhi Red Fort Blast - Political Controversy Erupts Over Kashmir Comments

JKPDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has ignited controversy with statements linking the central government's policies to the recent deadly blast near Delhi's Red Fort that claimed 13 lives.

Speaking at a meeting in Srinagar, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister claimed that the government has fostered a "poisonous atmosphere" that has pushed Kashmiri youth toward dangerous paths.

Investigators have characterized the Delhi explosion as a sophisticated 'white-collar' terror operation, reportedly orchestrated by a network of doctors recently apprehended by Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Mufti asserted that "Kashmir's problems have echoed in front of the Red Fort," suggesting the incident reflects broader issues within the region.

"A poisonous atmosphere has been created, and that atmosphere is responsible for the youth of Kashmir deviating from their path and creating their own dangerous path," Mufti stated. "I again tell those youth that what they do is wrong. Doing this work after getting so much education is wrong. The government has created havoc in Kashmir. They commit atrocities in Kashmir. The government should end the atmosphere of terror in Kashmir. These people say that everything is fine in Kashmir, but the problems of Kashmir were expressed in front of the Red Fort in Delhi."

The PDP leader further alleged that divisive politics has overshadowed national security concerns, stating, "You may get votes by doing Hindu-Muslim politics, but in which direction is the nation heading? Does Delhi have any understanding? The country is much bigger than the chair."

BJP leaders responded strongly to Mufti's comments. Senior BJP figure Ravinder Raina condemned her statements, saying, "It is condemnable. She is trying to destabilize the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Being a former Chief Minister, she should refrain from giving such statements. PM Modi has done a lot for Jammu and Kashmir."

BJP's Abhijeet Jasrotia added, "How unfortunate is the statement of Mehbooba Mufti. The ex-Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir is stooping so low. She has given a pathetic statement. Especially in times when you should stand with the youth of Jammu and Kashmir."

The explosion near Red Fort involved a white Hyundai i20 and was reportedly carried out by a suicide bomber identified as Umar Mohammad from Kashmir. The incident occurred the same day authorities discovered 2,900 kg of explosives approximately 50 km from Delhi in Haryana's Faridabad.

Sources indicate the bomber may have detonated prematurely after learning that key members of the terror cell, Dr. Muzammil Shakeel and Dr. Adil Rather—both Kashmiri residents—had been arrested and explosives seized by investigators.