Mehbooba Mufti Targets NC on Coalition with BJP, Stresses PDP Agenda of Reconciliation

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti criticized the National Conference for compromising its agenda when aligning with BJP, while emphasizing PDP's stance on dialogue and reconciliation in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the media, she highlighted the party's unique role in political negotiations and appealed for fair elections in the union territory.

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday criticized the National Conference (NC) and its vice president Omar Abdullah for questioning the PDP's alliance with BJP post the 2014 assembly polls. According to Mufti, the NC sacrificed its agenda when in coalition with the BJP, unlike the PDP.

Addressing media persons, Mufti detailed her efforts to facilitate dialogue with Hurriyat leaders during the BJP's tenure. 'I brought a delegation of ministers and MPs to talk to Hurriyat leaders. Could Omar Abdullah do this? During Congress rule, they hanged one Kashmiri, while I enforced a one-month ceasefire as CM,' she stated.

Highlighting her party's role, Mufti said only the PDP can mediate between Hurriyat and BJP leaders, contrasting it with NC's opportunistic politics. She also appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to prevent police harassment during elections, ensuring a fair process.

On September 1, speaking in Srinagar, Mufti reiterated PDP's agenda of reconciliation. 'Hurriyat leaders are not untouchables. Our aim is to solve the Kashmir issue through constitutional dialogue,' she said, emphasizing that PDP prioritizes the resolution of the region's issues over political power.

The first assembly poll since Article 370's abrogation is scheduled in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)