Srinagar: As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its highly anticipated elections, the political landscape is heating up with intense rivalries and strategic maneuvers. The state’s political chessboard has every party vying for dominance, with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief, Mehbooba Mufti, making a bold declaration that has added fuel to the already charged atmosphere.
In a significant announcement on Tuesday, Mufti categorically dismissed any possibility of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that the formation of the next government in Jammu and Kashmir will not be possible without the PDP. This statement has not only intensified the political discourse but has also thrown down the gauntlet to her rivals, particularly the National Conference (NC).
Addressing a gathering of party workers at the PDP headquarters in Srinagar, Mufti launched a scathing attack on the NC, accusing them of having a singular focus on power. “Since 1947, they have been contesting elections solely to form the government, driven by the lure of ministerial posts. Unlike them, PDP is committed to contesting elections based on a clear agenda, prioritizing the welfare of the people over mere power struggles,” Mufti stated emphatically.
Mufti further underscored her party’s determination, recalling the 2002 assembly elections where the PDP formed the government with just 16 MLAs. “If it is Allah’s will, this time too, no government will be formed without the PDP,” she declared, highlighting the party’s resilience and grassroots support.
However, she stressed that her focus remains on the party’s agenda rather than just government formation. Reflecting on her previous alliance with the BJP in 2015, Mufti explained that the partnership was forged to resolve the Kashmir issue. Yet, she now sees no possibility of any future alliance with the BJP, citing the party’s failure to address the region’s concerns.
“Today, there is no room for an alliance because the BJP has undermined all efforts towards a peaceful resolution in Kashmir,” Mufti remarked, responding to recent statements by former NC leader Devendra Singh Rana, who claimed that the NC had sought an alliance with the BJP in 2014.
In a pointed response, Mufti clarified that her party’s negotiations with the Central Government, represented by Ram Madhav, were conducted openly, unlike the NC, which she accused of engaging in secretive dealings. “We brought an agenda and implemented it transparently. Unlike Omar Abdullah, who operated in the shadows, we made our intentions clear to the people,” she asserted.
Mufti’s sharp criticism extended to the local administration, where she accused certain police officers of harassing the public under the pretext of maintaining law and order ahead of the elections. She appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to intervene and ensure that the electoral process remains free and fair, expressing concerns over the treatment of PDP supporters by local law enforcement.
On a final note, Mufti welcomed the impending visit of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to Jammu and Kashmir. She acknowledged his right to campaign in the region, indicating the intensifying competition as the election date draws near.
With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir promise to be a defining moment for the region, as political alliances, rivalries, and strategies come to the fore.
