The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti refuted rumours on Sunday that the PDP is opting out of the INDIA Bloc.

Speaking to the local news agency KNS, Mehbooba clarified that her absence from the recent INDIA Bloc meeting in New Delhi was due to her mother's eye surgery.

In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the INDIA Bloc allocated five seats in Jammu and Kashmir: two to the Congress in Jammu and three to the National Conference (NC) in the Kashmir Valley. The PDP, being part of the INDI alliance, ran separately in the race.

During the elections, the Congress actively campaigned for the National Conference but was notably absent from the PDP's roadshows and rallies, despite the PDP being part of the same alliance.

On Saturday, exit polls by several national TV channels showed the PDP winning one seat in the Kashmir Valley separately from the INDIA Bloc, sparking rumours of the party's exit from the alliance.

However, Mehbooba Mufti dismissed these rumours and reaffirmed the PDP's commitment to the INDIA Bloc.

SRINAGAR — Exit polls for Lok Sabha elections 2024 released on Saturday evening suggest victory for the National Conference on two Lok Sabha seats while predicting one seat for the PDP. It claims that the BJP could win two seats from Jammu division.

As per the local news agency KNO, Jammu and Kashmir has seen an unprecedented voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha elections, with 58.46 per cent of the electorate participating, the highest in 35 years. Voting for all contestable Lok Sabha seats concluded on Saturday with the seventh and final phase. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

Exit polls, released this evening, provide early insights into potential outcomes. Times Now's exit poll suggests the BJP could win 2 seats, while Congress-NC might secure 2-3 seats, and the PDP could win 1 seat.

Specifically, the NC is projected to win the Srinagar and Anantnag seats comfortably, with strong showings in their traditional strongholds. The Anantnag-Rajouri seat is expected to favour NC due to the division of Pahari votes between the PDP and the Apni Party.

In Baramulla, the competition is intense with Omar Abdullah, Sajjad Lone, and Er Rashid all having strong performances in different regions. Omar has done well in Baramulla and Budgam, Lone in Kupwara and Bandipora, and Rashid has garnered significant support from the separatist vote bank.

As per News 24 exit polls, in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, NDA might bag 2-3 seats whereas JKNC should grab 3 seats and Congress would range from 0-1 seat.

Historically, in the 2019 elections, which included Ladakh as part of Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP won three seats in Jammu, Udhampur, and Ladakh, while the NC won Baramulla, Srinagar, and Anantnag.

On the national front, several exit polls forecast a sweeping victory for the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, it appears unlikely that the NDA will meet the ambitious 400-seat target set by BJP's senior leadership earlier.

The exit polls, a method of election survey conducted by various agencies and news channels, provide early indications by asking voters whom they voted for as they leave polling stations. This data is then analyzed using mathematical models to estimate the likely distribution of seats.

NEW DELHI — People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that an FIR has been filed against her for flouting the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

In a post on X, Mufti said that her protest was against the Government of India and local administration for detaining her party's workers.

"Amusing to find an FIR filed against me for apparently flouting MCC. This is the price PDP has paid for speaking truth to power. Our protest was against GOI in cahoots with local administration for detaining hundreds of PDP polling agents and workers in the hours leading to voting. Still not satisfied, the same administration went on to launch cordon and search operations in traditional PDP stronghold areas to terrorise our voters and prevent them from exercising their right to vote," Mufti said.

"Ulta chor kotwal ko daante," she added.

Earlier, on the day of voting in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat on May 25, Mehbooba Mufti sat in a protest alleging that the police had detained her party's polling agents and workers without any reason.

Mufti said, "PDP workers are being locked up in police stations without any reason. DG, LG, and all officials from top to bottom are involved in this. They have locked up PDP polling agents in police stations. You had said that there will be free and fair elections but you are doing all this. Complaints are being received from places where efforts are being made to tamper the machines (EVMs)."

On May 13, she also wrote a letter to the Election Commission to stop the alleged harassment and "illegal" arrest of the party workers.

Mufti is in the electoral fray for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat against National Conference (NC) candidate Mian Altaf Ahmad and Zafar Iqbal Manhas of the Apni Party.

According to the latest figure from the Election Commission, the Anatnag-Rajouri constituency recorded 54.3 per cent voter turnout. The voter turnout in the constituency was 14.3 per cent in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

SRINAGAR — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday levelled critical allegations on the government, saying “political Ikhwan is being thrusting in Jammu and Kashmir, and 1987-like poll rigging is being repeated”.

Addressing a press conference here in Srinagar, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, as per the news agency KNS, said that it is surprising that Section 143 has been imposed in district Pulwama ahead of Lok Sabha elections in the segment which is being held on May 13.

“It is unprecedented that Section 143 has been imposed in district Pulwama. For the past few days, our party workers who have participated actively in poll campaigning are being summoned to police stations and subsequently detained. Besides our 60 workers have been arrested in Poonch district after militants ambushed the IAF convoy in Sanai Top," she said.

"We want to ask the Election Commission of India (ECI) if you want to rig elections like rigged in 1987, then what for this whole drama is being created,” Mehbooba Mufti said.

She alleged that the government is trying to revive “Ikhwan” in Jammu and Kashmir to muzzle people’s voices in the region. “They (government) have constituted sooted-booted Ikhwan. They have formed political Ikhwan this time to throttle the voice of hapless people of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

The PDP chief, who is herself contesting Lok Sabha elections from the southern Anantnag-Rajouri seat, alleged that PDP workers are selectively being targeted. She appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha that if the government was willing to do this, then what for this election drama was staged?

“Each and every institution of the Government of India is being used to help proxies of BJP in Jammu and Kashmir with an aim to throttle the real voice of J&K,” she alleged.

She said abundant graveyards have come into being after election rigging took place in 1987. She also said that due to the pro-people approach of Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the confidence of Kashmir’s on-vote chit was restored but the situation is being repeated today.

“You have jailed Kashmiri youth like Waheed Para, but we are making them to be ready to reach Parliament. You have stated militancy is over in Jammu and Kashmir, if it is a reality, then what for Section 143 being imposed,” Mehbooba stated.

PULWAMA — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Srinagar Parliamentary seat, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Saturday said that the BJP-led government at the Centre should not repeat the 1987 rigged election, saying it will have disastrous consequences.

The elections were allegedly rigged by Congress alongside the National Conference in Kashmir, spurring armed militancy in the Valley a year later.

Talking to the news agency KNO, he said that his party did not demand any support from the Central government but was seeking free and fair elections.

He said that the government shouldn't support those who are misleading them, alleging Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari has been misleading Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He alleged that his workers are being detained at the behest of Bukhari and named him the “chief of political Ikhwan”.

He said that people must vote for those who they really think can raise their voices in the parliament as people in J&K have been living under constant fear since August 2019.

Para said that there has been silence since August 2019 in J&K and nobody dares to speak here. “We want to break the silence and we can save our identity, land and resources that are under threat,” he added.

He claimed that his party, especially President Mehbooba Mufti, is the only leader who has been very vocal against the policies of the Government of India since 2019 while other leaders have maintained silence.

According to Para, people in large numbers must vote to keep those away from power who have been misleading the Government of India.

SRINAGAR — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Srinagar constituency, Waheed-ur-Rahman Para, is the poorest candidate in the fray with a house valued at a mere Rs 32 lac and a monthly earning not exceeding Rs 40,000. However, his opponent from Apni Party Muhammad Ashraf Mir is much richer than Para, having almost Rs 31 crore net worth.

The poll affidavit Para has submitted before the Returning Officer in Srinagar reveals that he has not been able to earn anything from the year 2020 to 2022 for being under detention.

According to the news agency KNO, Para, in his poll affidavit, has declared that FIR No. 05/2020 at NIA Jammu Police Station and FIR No. 31/2020 at CIK Srinagar Police Station are registered against him.

The sections under which Para has been charged include Sections 18, 19, 20, 23, 38, 13, 17, 18, 39, 40 of the UAPA Act (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), UAPA read with 7/25 of the Arms Act, Section 120/B, 3/04 of ES Act, Section 121/A, 124/A of IPC (Indian Penal Code).

In 2022-23, his income was Rs 4,51,270, while in 2023-24, it was Rs 4,70,310. His monthly earnings are not more than a mere 39 thousand rupees. He has Rs 1 lac cash in hand. He doesn't have any savings or fixed deposits. However, he has ancestral land valuing approximately Rs 2 crore. He has immovable assets worth 18 lac and an ancestral house in Pulwama, valuing Rs 32 lac.

Furthermore, as per the affidavit, he has completed a Master's in International Relations (Peace and Conflict Studies) from the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST).

On the other hand, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party candidate for the Srinagar Parliament constituency, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, in his poll affidavit, has declared details of both movable and immovable assets, including those of his spouse and dependents.

The movable assets include a total value of Rs 97 lac for Mohammad Ashraf Mir and Rs 1,57,25,528 for his spouse. As far as immovable assets are concerned, Mohammad Ashraf Mir has declared a total value of Rs 1,54,00,000 as per the present market value, including agricultural land.

Additionally, he has declared a total current market value of approximately Rs 30.15 crore for residential buildings, including apartments. Mir's assets include movable assets such as personal vehicles, immovable assets such as residential buildings and agricultural land, as well as financial assets such as savings deposits and investments in companies/mutual funds.

The candidate's highest educational qualification is a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) in Personnel Management from BMS College of Engineering in 1995. He owns a Toyota Fortuner and a Mahindra Scorpio. Based on the provided document, Mir has Rs 5,00,000 in cash in hand and a savings deposit of Rs 1,25,528 in J&K Bank.

SRINAGAR — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth president and a contestant from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Wednesday said that the party will try its best to represent the sentiment of youth in the Parliament democratically.

Para, who filed nomination for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat today, while speaking to the news agency KNS that their effort in this election is to reach every household of Jammu and Kashmir and seek votes and confidence of people who have been left unattended from the last five years.

He said PDP represents the youth of Jammu & Kashmir and their aspirations and assures people of the region that they will become their voice. He appealed to voters to give them an opportunity to serve their sentiments in the Parliament. “Give us a chance and see how PDP will represent people in New Delhi’s Parliament,” he said.

Para asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are craving and have an urge to connect with PDP as this is the only party who flagged up their concerns in odd and even. “After August 5, 2019, no political leader dared to speak up for their people. Everyone remained tight-lipped, and it was only Mehbooba Mufti who took a stand and stood for people,” he said.

“PDP will try its best to represent people’s sentiment democratically,” Para added. He continued that many elements were thinking of boycotting, but he appeals to the people, especially youth, to vote whosoever they want to elect. “Your vote is inevitable for change,” he added.

SRINAGAR — Addressing several rallies across South Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti delivered a scathing critique of the escalating turbulence and fear gripping Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the current atmosphere of uncertainty far surpasses the tumult of past gun culture.

On this occasion, senior party leader Mohammad Sartaj Madni, Aijaz Ahmad Mir Ex-MLA, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat Ex-MLA, District President Manzoor Ahmad Zargar, Additional Spokesperson Mohammad Amin Dar, Zafrullah Wani, Muzaffar Ahmad Wagay, Nissar Ahmad, Sheikh Ghulam Mohiuddin, Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Mohammad Yaseen besides many others were also present and spoke to the gatherings.

Mehbooba said that since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured suffocation and widespread fear, likening the prevailing silence to that of a graveyard.

Despite the imposed silence, the PDP President declared her unwavering defiance, highlighting the consequences her family has faced at the hands of government agencies. “Post abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir when every single person was silenced, I preferred to speak truth to power as soon as I came out of the jail. Even though my family had to bear the consequences, my aged mother, my brother were hounded. But I didn’t surrender my voice and my stand,” Mehbooba said.

Warning against the consequences of silence, Mufti emphasized the importance of voting as a means to combat oppression. She denounced violence, affirming that guns and stones only lead to graves filled with lost lives and shattered families.

“If we remain silent today, we will have nothing left for our future generations. Voting not guns or stones is the answer to the prevalent oppression. Guns and stones only filled our graveyards, orphaned our children and widowed our women. I want to reiterate that we will not allow those immense sacrifices to go to waste but at the same time, we will have to understand that vote and voice are our weapons to fight for our rights and against this highhandedness,” she said.

The PDP President further underscored the continuous erosion of Kashmiri rights and resources, citing the issuance of new decrees akin to August 5, 2019. Expressing concern over the proliferation of drugs among the youth, she called for reflection on the origins of such substances.

She added, “August 5, 2019 should not be viewed in isolation. Every single day is August 5 for us. Everyday, new Shahi Farmans are being issued and they are eyeing our resources, our jobs, our forests, our hydroelectricity and our lithium reserves. They are throwing our youth into the menace of drugs. One must ponder where these drugs come from.”

Emphasizing unity beyond party lines, Mehbooba termed her struggle as one for the rights and identity of Jammu and Kashmir. She also highlighted the significance of the Congress party's manifesto, praising its focus on marginalized communities. “It is not the fight between PDP and NC but the fight for Jammu and Kashmir's rights and identity. We must fear that day when everything will be taken away from us if we do not act today.

She said that Congress's poll manifesto is the best one given out by any political party in the country since independence. "It talks about the poor and downtrodden, about women, youth and farmers. INDIA alliance is doing better in these polls and this is the reason for BJP's frustration and its polarising rants," Mehbooba said.

PULWAMA — In a significant political development, District Development Council (DDC) Member Javed Rahim Bhat, hailing from Rajpora/Pulwama-B, officially joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday amidst a fervent gathering at Zaigam village near Rahmoo diversion bridge. Despite heavy rain dampening the spirits of some attendees, hundreds of staunch supporters stood by, expressing solidarity with both Bhat and the PDP.

The event, held at a Zaigam playfield in Rahmoo village, witnessed a surge of attendees eager to witness Bhat's formal induction into the PDP ranks. The atmosphere was electrified as various party stalwarts, including the party President Mehbooba Mufti and Parliament Candidate Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, graced the occasion with their presence.

Speaking to The Kashmir Pulse, Bhat highlighted his deliberative process in choosing a political affiliation, ultimately selecting the PDP due to its alignment with the people's concerns and grievances. He vowed to continue his developmental initiatives within his constituency, emphasizing his commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalized.

Mehbooba Mufti, addressing the resilient crowd amid the rainfall, underscored the significance of the upcoming Parliament elections in amplifying the Kashmiri narrative. She called upon the electorate to vote en masse, positioning the PDP as the rightful advocate for the region's issues on the national stage. Mufti passionately advocated for the release of incarcerated youth and pledged to champion the genuine grievances of the Kashmiri populace.

Despite the inclement weather, the event served as a testament to the unwavering support for both Javed Rahim Bhat and the PDP, signalling a potential shift in the political turf of Pulwama district. As the political dynamics continue to evolve, Bhat's decision to join the PDP injects fresh momentum into the party's efforts to represent the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

PULWAMA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) launched its election campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir with a vibrant road show stretching from Tahab Crossing, Circular Road Pulwama to Sangam, Anantnag on Tuesday.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and party's youth president Waheed-ur-Rehman Para led the rally, which drew hundreds of enthusiastic participants, predominantly comprised of youth and PDP supporters.

Addressing the media during the event, Mehbooba Mufti extended condolences to the families affected by the recent Batwara Srinagar boat capsizing incident.

She emphasized the historical support from Pulwama, asserting its significance as the starting point of their campaign. Criticizing the current administration, she lamented the alleged transformation of the union territory into an "open jail" under the BJP-led LG regime.

Mufti condemned the shooting of a tourist guide in Shopian, labelling it unfortunate. However, she contested the mass arrests of youth under Public Safety Act (PSA) charges, suggesting it was disproportionate to the incident.

The PDP's election strategy was outlined, with Mufti contesting from the remodelled Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, Para entering the fray from Srinagar-Pulwama, and Fayaz Ahmad Mir standing as the candidate from the north Kashmir constituency.

The PDP's decision to contest independently follows a public fallout with the National Conference despite their previous alliance in the INDIA coalition.

The upcoming polls, commencing on April 19, will witness prominent contenders including former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and veteran National Conference leader Mian Altaf.

Jammu and Kashmir's electoral landscape has undergone significant changes with the state's transition to a Union territory. The redrawing of constituencies, including Anantnag, aims at achieving parity in representation between Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

Mehbooba Mufti's stronghold in south Kashmir is pivotal for the PDP's electoral prospects, having secured parliamentary victories in 2004 and 2014. South Kashmir's allegiance to the PDP played a crucial role in the party's ascent to power in the 2014 assembly elections.

The Anantnag constituency, emerging from the delimitation exercise, will go to polls on May 7, reflecting the evolving political dynamics in the region.

Political observers anticipate a fiercely contested electoral battle, with each party vying to consolidate its traditional support bases amidst shifting demographics and geopolitical changes.

SRINAGAR — People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that the party will contest from all Lok Sabha seats of Kashmir, adding the list of the candidates will be made public within the coming days.

Addressing a press conference here in Srinagar, Mehbooba, as per the news agency KNS, said that PDP will contest from all Kashmir Lok Sabha seats.

She expressed dejection over remarks made by NC leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over PDP that the party exists nowhere on the ground and it will not field its candidates from Kashmir.

“There was a need to fight polls together because of the situation that emerged after August 5, 2019. Everyone has been restricted and no one is allowed to talk. PDP has been the prime target. So in such a situation what is left with us,” Mehbooba asked.

Expressing disappointment over remarks made by the former chief minister, Mehbooba said, “Had Omar Abdullah consulted with us, PDP would have considered the situation for the larger interest of Kashmir but he took the decision without taking us on board.”

She said that due to Omar Abdullah’s remarks against PDP, its workers were deeply hurt. “The workers of PDP are broken due to statements made by Omar Abdullah. PDP has attained power two times in the recent past but still Omar Abdullah is saying PDP is non-existent,” she said.

She questioned the role of Dr Farooq Abdullah with regard to the alliance, saying, “When you assign leadership responsibility to anyone, he should have delivered justice to all. But they have not left any space for us. We hoped NC would rise above the party affiliations this time but they proved us wrong. Omar Abdullah’s presser was unfortunate in that he spoke against our credibility. This was injustice with our party workers who are surviving in a tumultuous situation”.

Mehbooba, however, added that PDP will announce the list of candidates within a couple of days.

SRINAGAR — National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reiterated that NC and PDP are together and are part of the INDIA alliance.

He asked the media to expose the A team, B team and C team of BJP instead of questioning the National Conference and PDP unnecessarily over the alliance.

“When PDP President Mehooba Mufti Ji herself said that Farooq Sahib and we are united and are together to save the Constitution of the country and we will not break the alliance, then why you people are trying to make us fight here,” Omar Abdullah told reporters, as per the news agency KNS, in south Kashmir’s Anantnag.

He said, "You (media) should expose A, B and C teams of BJP instead of questioning NC and PDP over the alliance."

Speaking on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and others, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that it is unfortunate that opposition leaders are being arrested before the election. “It is a very sadistic situation that opposition leaders are being arrested. It will have serious results on the democracy of our India,” he said.

He appealed to the Supreme Court and Election Commission of India (ECI) to take strict note of the arrest of opposition leaders ahead of elections. “Supreme Court and ECI shouldn’t ignore this matter. They should intervene in it and using agencies during elections should be stopped forthwith,” Omar Abdullah added.

SRINAGAR — People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday alleged BJP government of empowering proxies in Jammu and Kashmir, saying “The saffron party does not want the voice of Kashmiris to reach to the Parliament”.

Talking to reporters in the southern district of Anantnag, the former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, as per the news agency KNS, alleged BJP of empowering proxies in Jammu and Kashmir in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

She said that the Ministry of Home Affairs led by Amit Shah want to achieve this aim by tampering with voter slips as they don’t want the real voice of Kashmir to reach the Parliament.

“BJP want to finish the voice of PDP. Now, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have only voting rights to seek what they want. Late Vajpayee Ji had restored people's trust in voting rights, but the current dispensation at the Centre is trying to temper with it, while empowering proxies in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir,” Mehbooba said.

“The ultimate aim of the Centre is to suppress the real voice of Kashmir as the government wants to empower their proxy parties here that came into being after 2019 by breaking the PDP. They want to achieve this aim by tampering with voter slips as they don’t want the real voice of Kashmir to reach the Parliament,” Mehbooba added.

She also added, “All promises made by the country in 1947 were illegally abrogated in 2019, and later on, the entire Jammu and Kashmir was turned into a jail. Even my passport and my family members were restricted and my official residence was taken away.”

SRINAGAR — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday urged people to exercise their voting rights judiciously in response to what she termed as “contentious laws” like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and to thwart the “divisive tactics employed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).”

According to the news agency KNO, Mufti, addressing reporters at the party headquarters in Srinagar, cautioned against falling into the trap laid by the BJP, emphasizing that laws like the CAA are mere distractions orchestrated to divert attention from pressing issues such as unemployment, agrarian distress, and inflation.

Accusing the BJP of fostering communalism and exacerbating religious tensions in the country, Mehbooba underscored the need for vigilance and unity among citizens, particularly the Muslim community, to resist such “divisive agendas.”

Drawing attention to the repercussions of the CAA, Mehbooba lamented the demolition of mosques, searches in religious institutions, and targeted vilification of Muslims.

She urged the populace to remain calm and steadfast in the face of provocations, cautioning against reactionary responses that could exacerbate communal tensions. “Many mosques were demolished, idols were searched in every mosque, madrassas and houses of people were demolished. Namazis are being insulted. They (BJP) have tried every trick. When they saw that Muslims were still not coming out, the way they wanted, they used this trick called CAA,” alleged the PDP Chief.

Highlighting the significance of peaceful protests like the one at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi, Mufti expressed concern over the detention of numerous youth without bail, urging Hindus and Muslims alike to refrain from falling prey to the BJP's machinations. Instead, she advocated for continued engagement in democratic processes and emphasized the power of voting as a means to challenge “oppressive” laws and policies.

Mufti also denounced the BJP's attempts to undermine democracy and subvert the Constitution, warning against the erosion of secular values in the name of religious politics. She emphasized the importance of consulting experts and considering the ecological and economic implications before implementing projects like the proposed railway line in southern Kashmir's Shopian district, which could adversely impact the region's delicate ecosystem and economy.

“Jammu and Kashmir, especially the valley, is environmentally a fragile zone. Its ecosystem is delicate. Our economy is dependent on the fruit industry. If you plan a railway line through every village without thinking about it, thousands of trees will be damaged. This will prove disastrous for our economy,” Mehbooba said.

SRINAGAR — Mohammad Rafiq Pandit, a retired inspector renowned for his social activism, has joined People's Democratic Party (PDP) and was welcomed into the partyfold by party president Mehbooba Mufti.

The occasion was marked by a ceremonial event attended by District President Pulwama Bari Andrabi, Ghulam Mohiuddin Wachi, Youth President PDP Waheed ur Rehman Para, and former MLA Anjum Fazli.

Rafiq Pandit, hailed as a prominant activist in Karimabad Pulwama, emphasised the strategic significance of his decision, stating, "My allegiance to the PDP stems from a deeply rooted dedication to the welfare and progress of Pulwama's populace.”

Mehbooba Mufti, in her welcoming address, underscored the importance of Rafiq Pandit's entry into the PDP fold.

She said addition of Mohammad Rafiq Pandit to the party exemplifies commitment to inclusivity and grassroots representation.

In a separate programme, DDC member Behibagh in Kulgam, Ruby Jan, also joined the PDP in the presence of party's Vice President A R Veeri.

SRINAGAR — In a significant announcement, National Conference (NC) Vice-President Omar Abdullah declared that his party would not forge an alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This decision comes amidst discussions surrounding seat allocations in the Kashmir region.

Omar Abdullah stated during a press conference that the NC was prepared to surrender the Anantnag-Rajouri seat to the Congress but firmly rejected any possibility of supporting the PDP in the constituency. Citing the PDP's poor performance in the last parliamentary elections, where it secured the third position, Abdullah emphasized that the party lacked substantial support in the region.

"We have already finalized our candidates for all three seats in Kashmir and will extend our support to Congress on both Jammu seats as well as the Ladakh seat. I am ready with my candidates and will announce them at our convenience," Abdullah asserted.

Meanwhile, responding to Omar Abdullah's stance, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti expressed disappointment, suggesting that NC's decision undermined the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). She affirmed her determination to consult with Congress, a crucial member of the INDIA bloc, before reaching a decision.

"I am a fighter. We will talk to Congress in this regard and will make our decision public soon," Mehbooba Mufti stated during a press conference in Srinagar.

SRINAGAR — Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference (NC), rebuked the People's Democratic Party (PDP) today, firmly rejecting any potential alliance with them for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Abdullah criticized the PDP's credibility, citing their past alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state and accused them of betraying the people's trust.

Abdullah affirmed that the NC would independently contest all three Lok Sabha constituencies in the Kashmir valley, expressing confidence in securing a significant victory. His statement came amidst growing tensions between the two parties, with Abdullah questioning the PDP's relevance and involvement in South Kashmir despite their diminished standing in previous elections.

In another development, former MLA Javid Hussain Baig, nephew of ex-deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, joined the National Conference. Baig, formerly associated with the People's Democratic Party, was recently expelled from the Apni Party. His expulsion followed engagement with foreign envoys during their visit to Kashmir, organized by the Central government after the abrogation of Article 370.

Baig's decision to join the NC was announced in the presence of party vice president Omar Abdullah and other senior leaders. Despite facing defeat in the 2020 district development council elections, Baig's move signals a significant shift in the political landscape of the region.

The Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir are slated to be held in April-May 2024, coinciding with the rest of the country.

SRINAGAR — As tensions rise between the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) over seat sharing in the upcoming elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intervened to facilitate dialogue between the two long-standing rivals in Jammu and Kashmir's political arena.

Sources told the news agency KNO that the NC remains firm on retaining all seats it won in the previous LS polls, including the contentious Anantnag constituency, while the PDP seeks to contest from its former stronghold in South Kashmir.

Despite the PDP's willingness to support the NC in other constituencies, the deadlock persists over Anantnag.

Concerns mount within the India alliance as the NC and PDP struggle to find common ground, prompting calls for intervention from outside parties. Rahul Gandhi, informed of the impasse, has been urged to mediate between the two factions.

It was informed further that Rahul Gandhi may speak with both Omar and Mehbooba to end the impasse and finalize the candidates between the two parties for coming LS polls.

Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, a leader of the CPI-M, emphasizes the urgent need for reconciliation, urging both parties to prioritize the welfare of the people over internal disputes.

“It is imperative for these parties to set aside differences and work together for the greater good of Jammu and Kashmir,” Tarigami said, urging direct dialogue instead of public posturing.

SRINAGAR — With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Kashmir on March 7, political parties in the region are reflecting contrasting sentiments among locals.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed scepticism about any potential positive outcomes from Modi's visit, citing grievances against the BJP-led government's treatment of Kashmiris.

PDP spokesperson Suhail Bukhari, addressing a press conference in Srinagar, asserted that the people of the valley harboured no expectations from the Prime Minister's visit. "The BJP government misbehaved and never listened to the people," Bukhari stated, reflecting a sentiment of disillusionment among many Kashmiris.

In contrast, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh painted an optimistic picture of Kashmir's anticipation, claiming that Kashmiris held high hopes for Modi's leadership.

Chugh highlighted the purported achievements under Modi's administration, including industrial growth, employment opportunities for youth, and the revocation of Article 370. He emphasized the enthusiasm among locals for Modi's forthcoming rally at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar.

The contrasting views underscore the political divide in Kashmir, with the PDP expressing scepticism while the BJP remains optimistic about the impact of Modi's visit. As Kashmir braces for Modi's arrival, the region finds itself at the centre of divergent political opinions and aspirations.

SRINAGAR — As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir heats up ahead of parliamentary elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly pushing for Mehbooba Mufti to contest the Pulwama-Srinagar parliamentary seat, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Amidst escalating tensions within the political sphere, particularly regarding the fate of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), the PDP's move to nominate Mufti for the crucial parliamentary seat signifies a bold assertion of its position within the coalition.

In a bid to dismantle the PAGD and sideline the PDP, the National Conference has adamantly opposed any potential seat-sharing agreement with its coalition partner, intensifying the rift between the two parties.

Recent reports suggest that PDP activists hailing from Pulwama, Shopian, Ganderbal, and Srinagar have rallied behind the party president, urging her to lead the charge in the parliamentary elections and amplify their voices on the national stage.

A leader within the PDP, speaking to the news agency KDC, emphasized the party's substantial support base in Pulwama and Shopian, underscoring the strategic significance of contesting the Pulwama-Srinagar seat. "Given our strong foothold in Pulwama and Shopian, securing victory in this constituency could prove decisive for the party," the leader remarked.

The PDP appears to be actively pursuing this strategy, leveraging its grassroots support and regional influence to bolster its electoral prospects amidst mounting challenges and political discord.