Srinagar, 07-04-2024 : In a significant move, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the Kashmir region. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti will lead the charge in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, setting the stage for a high-profile showdown against DPAP president Ghulam Nabi Azad. This contest elevates the newly carved-out constituency as the focal point of political attention in Jammu and Kashmir during this electoral cycle.
The National Conference has nominated influential Gujjar leader Mian Altaf Ahmad to contest from the same seat, while the Apni Party has fielded Zaffar Iqbal Manhas. Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is yet to announce its candidate for the region.
Sartaj Madni, the Chief of PDP’s Parliamentary Board, announced the party’s candidates for the three Kashmir seats during a press conference. Alongside Mehbooba Mufti’s candidacy for Anantnag-Rajouri, Waheed Parra, the president of the party’s youth wing, will contest from Srinagar, and former Rajya Sabha member Mir Fayaz will represent the party in Baramulla.
Mufti and Madni, in their joint address, also revealed PDP’s decision to support the Congress on two seats in the Jammu region — Udhampur and Jammu. However, Mufti clarified that this support wasn’t contingent upon reciprocal support from the Congress in Kashmir. Instead, she emphasized the broader objective of defending the Constitution and democracy.
Appealing to constituents across the region, Mufti stressed the importance of unity amidst challenging times, where dissent is stifled and labeled as anti-national. Addressing the contest against the National Conference, Mufti deferred the decision to NC president Farooq Abdullah, expressing disappointment over the lack of consultation in alliance decisions.
Regarding her party’s manifesto, Mufti highlighted its commitment to amplify the genuine voices of the people in Delhi. She lamented the central government’s concerted efforts to undermine her candidacy in south Kashmir, portraying her decision to contest as a response to these challenges.
Responding to questions about recent political engagements, Mufti maintained a diplomatic stance, stressing the democratic nature of political discourse. On the Congress party’s manifesto, she praised its pragmatic approach, contrasting it with what she deemed as empty promises of job creation by other parties.
When asked about campaigning outside Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti expressed reservations, citing the need to prioritize strengthening the alliance within the region. Reflecting on her electoral history, Mufti exuded confidence despite past defeats, asserting her resolve to navigate the political landscape with resilience and determination.
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