Srinagar: A new controversy has started heating up in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. The appointment of Mushtaq Ahmed Rather, a relative of senior National Conference leader and former Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, as an advisor in the Tourism Department has created an uproar in political circles. The opposition has launched a scathing attack on the government, calling this appointment a symbol of nepotism. Critics say that this move is against the claims of transparent governance of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, which is causing discontent among unemployed youth.

Immediate appointment after retirement

Mushtaq Ahmed Rather had recently retired from government service. Just a few days after his retirement, he was appointed as an advisor on contract basis in the Tourism Department. This decision came under further question when Omar Abdullah had earlier talked about giving priority to transparency and merit in the recruitment processes. Local residents and unemployed youth are seeing this appointment as relative appeasement, which has raised questions on the intentions of the government.

Tariq Ahmad, an unemployed youth from Srinagar, expressed his displeasure and said, “When educated people like us are wandering from door to door for a job, then how is it fair to immediately appoint a retired person as an advisor? Is this the measure of merit?” Tariq’s sentiment has become the voice of thousands of youth who consider this appointment to be biased.

Sharp attack by the opposition

This appointment has given the opposition parties an opportunity to attack the government. Former minister of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Naeem Akhtar called it a “highly biased and dangerous” move. He said, “Efforts are being made to normalize the situation in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019. But such appointments are breaking the trust of the public. When thousands of youth are struggling with unemployment, then hastily appointing a retired person as an advisor is injustice.”

BJP leader Ashok Kaul also strongly condemned this decision. He demanded that this appointment be canceled immediately. Kaul said, “This is not just a case of nepotism, but a question mark on the transparency of the government. If this continues, the youth will lose faith in the system.” PDP leader Wahid Para also reiterated a similar demand, saying that giving preference to relatives instead of giving a chance to deserving candidates is an insult to democracy.

Government’s silence

So far, neither Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s office nor the General Administration Department has issued any official statement on this controversy. This silence is giving rise to more questions. A senior administrative officer said on the condition of anonymity, “Mushtaq Rather’s appointment has been done as per the rules, but the controversy created over it is creating an uncomfortable situation for the government. A clarification may be issued soon.”

Political and social impact

This appointment is not just an administrative decision, but has become a major issue in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. Experts believe that this matter can harm the image of the National Conference, especially when the party talks about restoring stability and confidence in the region. Political analyst Professor Noor Ahmed Baba says, “Questions have already been raised on administrative credibility in Jammu and Kashmir. Such appointments can further deepen the public’s distrust towards the government.” What is the way forward? This controversy is not only raising questions on the government’s recruitment policies, but it is also showing how much sensitivity is needed regarding administrative decisions in Jammu and Kashmir. If the government cancels this appointment, then it will be considered a decision taken under pressure from the opposition. On the other hand, if it is retained, then the allegations of nepotism can deepen. For now, it is clear that the appointment of Mushtaq Rather has created a new storm in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. Now it remains to be seen how Omar Abdullah’s government deals with this crisis and whether it is able to win the trust of the youth again.