Srinagar, 04 Sept (KAT): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has firmly ruled out any possibility of forming an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at a party headquarters event, Mufti asserted that her party’s participation will be crucial for any government formation post-assembly elections.
Mufti expressed strong disapproval of the National Conference (NC), accusing it of pursuing alliances solely for government formation and ministerial positions without a substantive agenda. “Since 1947, their only aim has been forming alliances for the sake of government posts. They lack a real agenda,” Mufti claimed, referring to the NC’s historical and current political strategies.
The PDP chief underscored her party’s intent to contest elections with a clear agenda rather than merely aiming for government formation. “In 2002, we formed a government with only 16 MLAs. This time, no government will be formed without the PDP,” she declared.
Reflecting on past alliances, Mufti dismissed any future partnership with the BJP, pointing to their reversal of earlier efforts to address the Kashmir issue. “We had partnered with the BJP in 2015 with the goal of resolving the Kashmir issue, but the BJP has undone all our efforts,” she said.
Addressing allegations by former NC leader Devender Singh Rana regarding the NC’s past intentions to ally with the BJP, Mufti asserted that her party has always conducted negotiations transparently. “We conducted our discussions with the central government openly through Ram Madhav. Our actions were transparent, unlike the NC’s secretive dealings,” she remarked.
Mufti also criticized certain police officials for allegedly harassing citizens, urging the Lieutenant Governor to ensure that law enforcement officers cease such practices. “Some officers are again targeting people, labeling them as OGWs (Over Ground Workers). I request the LG to intervene and stop this harassment,” she said.
In response to a query about Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti welcomed his presence. “He has every right to campaign for his party,” she noted.
Reflecting on the PDP’s previous governance experiences, Mufti highlighted the party’s efforts to end controversial laws and initiate dialogue during its tenure with Congress and the BJP. “Under our leadership, we managed to withdraw FIRs against 12,000 youths and engage with the Hurriyat Conference, even while in alliance with the BJP,” she added.
Mufti took a jab at NC Vice President Omar Abdullah, questioning his achievements during his tenure as a minister in the BJP-led government. “What did he accomplish? He implemented POTA, banned Shahtoosh shawls, and undermined the Kashmir issue internationally. In contrast, the PDP facilitated a one-month ceasefire and worked to address the issues directly,” she said.
The event also saw Apni Party leader Mushtaq Zulhami from Charar-e-Sharief and his supporters joining the PDP, marking a notable shift in the regional political landscape.
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