Mehbooba Mufti Reaffirms PDP's Commitment to Peace with Dignity Ahead of JK Assembly Polls

Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti emphasized the party's commitment to providing dignity and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Reaffirming her party's independent stance, she responded to queries about pre-poll alliances and reiterated the PDP's agenda, including the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.

In a significant move ahead of the Assembly elections, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti underscored the People's Democratic Party's (PDP) primary mission to ensure peace with dignity for the region's residents on August 28. The PDP leader declared that her party has consistently contested elections independently to serve the people's interests.

"We have always fought alone. Ever since our party was formed, we have fought alone and with the support of the people. We have fought to remove the sufferings of the people here," Mufti told reporters. "The basic agenda of the PDP is to place Jammu and Kashmir into an era of dignity. To give peace with dignity. We are moving forward with that agenda. Whether someone is with us or not, people should be us," she added.

Responding to questions about the PDP's expectations following the pre-poll alliance between Congress and the National Conference, Mufti indicated a willingness to support them if they align with the PDP's goals. The PDP's election manifesto promises efforts to restore Articles 370 and 35A, initiate India-Pakistan diplomatic dialogues, and ensure a dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits. In the 2014 Assembly elections, the PDP secured 28 seats, the BJP 25, the National Conference 15, and Congress 12.

The PDP and BJP formed a coalition government led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, but the alliance fractured in 2018 when the BJP withdrew its support following Sayeed's death. The upcoming polls, the first since the abrogation of Article 370, are expected to witness fierce contests. The Election Commission has announced that 24 seats will be contested in the first phase.

In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won both Jammu seats, reflecting sustained regional support. The National Conference also captured two seats. Votes from the Assembly elections will be counted on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)