Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes BJP's Stance on Kashmir and Election Strategy

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticized the BJP for allegedly reducing the Kashmir issue to mere conduct of Assembly polls in the Union Territory. She expressed concerns over the simplification of complex issues surrounding Article 370 and statehood. Mufti also commented on the pre-poll alliance dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday criticized the BJP for allegedly reducing the Kashmir issue to the mere conduct of Assembly polls in the Union Territory.

Mufti argued that the BJP has simplified the complex issues around Article 370 and statehood, to the detriment of the Kashmir cause. She accused other political parties of making short-sighted calls for statehood, equating it to seeking shoes after amputating feet. Mufti emphasized the need for reconciliation and warned against limiting the discussion to statehood.

Commenting on the pre-poll alliance between the National Conference and Congress, Mufti described it as a mere seat-sharing arrangement rather than a principled coalition. She criticized NC-Congress policies and highlighted differences in their approaches, pointing out the Congress move to name Chaudhary Lal Singh a star campaigner. Additionally, she responded to BJP's electoral strategies and accused them of indulging in communal politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)