Srinagar, Oct 23: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has formally extended its support to the ruling National Conference (NC) for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a tactical political alignment aimed at preventing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining ground in the Union Territory.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti made the announcement at a press conference, confirming that her party’s MLAs would vote in favour of NC candidates during Friday’s election. “We have decided to support the National Conference and vote for their candidates in the Rajya Sabha polls. Our decision is guided by the need to keep the BJP and its divisive ideology away from Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape,” she stated.
The former Chief Minister said the move was not an endorsement of NC’s politics but rather a strategic step to serve what she described as “a larger cause.” “This party (NC) may not deserve it, but for the greater good of the people and to prevent fascist forces from making inroads, we have chosen to extend support,” Mehbooba asserted.
She further revealed that the decision was taken after detailed consultations within the PDP’s leadership and its MLAs, following a request from the NC for support in the crucial election. NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah had personally reached out to her, seeking cooperation to ensure the party’s candidates’ success. On Wednesday, NC’s Rajya Sabha nominee Shammi Oberoi also called on Mehbooba Mufti at her Srinagar residence to formally seek PDP’s backing.