Srinagar: As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its upcoming elections, PDP leader Iltija Mufti on Sunday stressed the importance of unity in the face of current challenges. Responding to the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance and comments from the BJP regarding the manifestos of the PDP and NC, Iltija remarked that the prevailing situation necessitates collaboration among political parties.
"The BJP can say anything. They keep lying about issues like the situation in Kashmir and the economy. Considering the current circumstances, the [Congress-NC] alliance is positive. Unity is the need of the hour... Since 2019, everyone here has been suffering, so the parties should set aside their differences and come together," Iltija Mufti stated.
Earlier, on August 24, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti made it clear that the upcoming assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir is not merely about statehood or seat-sharing but rather about pursuing a "bigger goal." During a press conference to unveil the PDP's manifesto, she emphasized, "For me, this election is not about statehood or seat sharing... We have a bigger goal... We are fighting for dignity, for resolution."
Mehbooba also criticized the Congress-NC alliance, pointing out that it lacks a cohesive agenda and is instead focused on seat-sharing. She highlighted that in past alliances, such as with the BJP, there was a clear agenda agreed upon by both parties. "The alliance between the National Conference and Congress is not based on an agenda; it is based on seat sharing. We will not enter into any alliance that is merely about seat sharing. The alliance should be based on an agenda, and our agenda is to solve the problem of Jammu and Kashmir," she asserted.
The PDP’s manifesto promises to work towards restoring Articles 370 and 35A, fostering diplomatic dialogues between India and Pakistan, and ensuring the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley.
The 2014 Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir saw the PDP win 28 seats, the BJP 25 seats, the NC 15 seats, and the Congress 12 seats. The PDP and BJP initially formed a coalition government led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. However, the alliance dissolved in 2018 when the BJP withdrew its support after Mehbooba Mufti assumed leadership following her father’s death.
Polling in Jammu and Kashmir is set to take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 4. These elections mark the first assembly polls in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.
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