SRINAGAR: Ahead of the Lok Sabha debate on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, PDP president and former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday criticised the BJP-led government at the Centre, accusing it of prioritising “symbolism” over pressing public concerns, including the ongoing crisis faced by IndiGo airlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to initiate the debate, which is expected to highlight several significant and lesser-known aspects of the national song.
In a post on X, Mehbooba wrote, “Parliament is busy sparring over a two hundred year old Vande Mataram even as IndiGo passengers are left stranded and desperate for answers. Instead of confronting the crises hurting people right now BJP seems intent on indulging in empty symbolism.”
Her remarks come amid widespread disruptions in air travel due to mass cancellations by IndiGo since December 2, following regulatory changes to pilots’ flight duty and rest norms. The cancellations have impacted hundreds of flights and left lakhs of passengers stranded across airports nationwide.
“How will this political theatre create jobs, control soaring prices or tackle the real urgent problems weighing on millions of Indians?” she questioned.
