Mehbooba Mufti Slams BJP’s Fear of PDP, Calls for Active Preparation for ULB and Panchayat Elections

07-08-2023 : Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), called on party workers to gear up for the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) and Panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir. As the current term of the ULBs and Panchayats is nearing its end, Mehbooba emphasized the importance of active preparation for the elections, urging the workers to focus on serving the people rather than solely on the election results.

Addressing a workers’ meeting at the party headquarters, Mehbooba expressed her concerns about the detention of PDP leaders and activists on the fourth anniversary of Article 370’s abrogation on August 5. She questioned the government’s selective actions and claimed that the BJP fears her party’s influence.

Mehbooba criticized the BJP’s claims of development in the region post Article 370 abrogation. She pointed out that many vital projects, including AIIMS, medical colleges, and road tunnels, were sanctioned during the Congress-led government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. She stressed that while the BJP touts normalcy, stone-pelting incidents have increased nationwide under its rule.

Referring to August 5 as a “black day,” Mehbooba highlighted the deep impact of Article 370’s abrogation on the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She questioned the BJP’s intentions and accused them of indulging in divisive politics to gain votes.

Mehbooba also criticized the BJP’s relentless attacks on three prominent families – Nehru, Abdullah, and Mufti – and accused them of resorting to misleading tactics under the guise of ‘Parivarvad’ (dynastic politics). She praised the Gandhi family for their commitment to democracy and communal harmony.

The PDP president also raised allegations of corruption and sheltering of criminals against the BJP. She urged authorities to investigate the source of the BJP’s vast wealth, claiming that her party had a clean track record.