Opposition brands Omar Abdullah an autocrat

Jammu, March 20 : Jammu and Kashmir's main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti Saturday scoffed at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for allegedly 'ignoring the ruling alliance partners' while taking decisions on crucial issues.

Mufti criticised the style of functioning of the youngest chief minister of the state, saying Abdullah does not take into confidence the Congress, which is supporting the National Conference-led coalition government in the state.

Addressing a public meeting here, the PDP president said: "How can we expect Omar Abdullah to involve the opposition in the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir when he and his party are not even consulting the coalition partners?"

She said that the chief minister is an "autocrat, who thinks below his dignity to consult others".

Mufti was apparently referring to reports that the chief minister did not consult the Congress while drafting the surrender policy for the return and rehabilitation of militants currently in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or while proposing the policy for rehabilitation of the stone pelters.