The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — As the political turf of Jammu and Kashmir intensifies ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, the Youth Wing President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s candidate for the Pulwama constituency, spoke in an exclusive video interview on Saturday, offering insights into his political journey, the PDP’s future, and the issues closest to his heart.

Para, who will be contesting in the Assembly elections scheduled for September 18, detailed his motivations for joining the PDP. In conversation with Showkat Dar of The Kashmir Pulse, he explained how witnessing Mehbooba Mufti’s campaigning during a time of deep unrest in the Valley profoundly influenced his decision to align with the party.

“The Valley was gripped by an atmosphere of fear and arrests by the SOG wing of J&K Police, and it was Mehbooba Mufti's campaigns and her commitment to youth empowerment that drew me toward PDP,” Para recalled. He formally joined the party in 2013, recognizing the need to engage young people in a democratic process.

A Youth-Centered Political Vision

Para, who has become a prominent voice for the youth in Kashmir, emphasized that his political involvement stems from a desire to shift perceptions of young Kashmiris. "At a time when youth were often seen as stone-pelters or engaged in violence, I wanted to change that narrative and encourage democratic engagement," Para said.

He believes that while challenges remain, positive changes are beginning to take root. “I am convinced that we are witnessing a shift, and my work will focus on ensuring that this momentum benefits the youth of Kashmir.”

Para is confident that his work with the youth will remain a central part of his political career. "The welfare of the youth will continue to be my priority, as I feel we need to explore better democratic avenues to address the aspirations and frustrations they face."

Addressing the Competition

Regarding the competition he faces from Khalil Bhand, the National Conference (NC) candidate from the same constituency, Para admitted that the battle would be close.

“PDP has a strong base in south Kashmir, and we acknowledge that the competition is tough. However, we are confident that the work done by Mufti Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti during their tenures will be remembered by the people,” Para stated, noting that the party’s past governance has left a lasting impression.

In addition to discussing the Pulwama constituency, Para also addressed the recent split in Shopian, where several PDP leaders left the party, some joining other political parties and others opting to contest as independents.

“We have to take feedback from the ground, and sometimes, mistakes do happen,” Para said, acknowledging the party's internal challenges. “It is not always possible to keep every member equally satisfied when decisions are made. However, the PDP still has a strong base in Shopian, and efforts are underway to strengthen and unify the cadre.”

Impact of Independent Candidates and Small Parties

With the number of independent candidates and smaller parties, like the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), contesting in this election, Para admitted there could be an impact on vote shares. “It will certainly split the votes to some degree,” he said. “But it is also the right of every citizen in a democracy to contest, and we respect that right.”

A Vision for Pulwama

Para’s vision for Pulwama extends beyond just the electoral contest. He outlined his plans if elected, focusing on several key areas: addressing the cases of youth imprisoned for political reasons, improving the district’s health sector, ensuring that local residents benefit from the district’s mining contracts, and resolving longstanding drinking water issues.

“The cases of jailed youth (for political reasons) will be my top priority,” Para stated. “We need to work toward resolving these issues so that these young people can lead productive lives.”

Additionally, he stressed the need to develop Pulwama’s healthcare infrastructure, calling it a pressing concern for residents. “There are significant gaps in the health sector, and I will work to bridge those.”

In his vision for the district’s economic future, Para pledged to prioritize local involvement in the allocation of mining contracts, which he sees as a crucial avenue for economic empowerment. “Our people should be the beneficiaries of Pulwama’s natural resources,” he said.

Personal Reflections

The interview also veered briefly into Para’s personal life, touching on his marriage plans. “I have many cases filed against me and have only recently been released from jail,” Para said, alluding to the legal battles he has faced. “Once things normalize, I will be in a better position to make personal decisions in a calmer state of mind.”

Looking Ahead

Given that Waheed-ur-Rehman Para is preparing for the electoral contest in Pulwama, his message remains centered on the youth, their future, and the need for political and economic reforms. His journey from a young observer of Mehbooba Mufti’s campaigns to a key figure in PDP is an indication of the values he champions. Focussed on tackling the pressing challenges, Para is hoping to carry forward the legacy of the PDP, while also forging a path for a new generation of Kashmiri leaders.

PULWAMA — Peoples Democratic Party Youth President and Assembly election candidate for Pulwama constituency Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Sunday said that if Jamaat-e-Islami had approached the PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, she would have accommodated Jamaat-e-Islami candidates and given them tickets.

Para emphasized that the PDP has always prioritized inclusive politics and engagement with diverse groups, regardless of their ideological affiliations, to ensure the broadest possible representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He emphasized that Mehbooba Mufti has always believed in dialogue, reconciliation and inclusion. "If Jamaat-e-Islami had reached out to PDP, we would have considered seat allocations to bring together all voices within the democratic framework. Even if it meant sacrificing many seats, we would have accommodated them."

Para asserted that the PDP's commitment is to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the party believes that every group or party, especially those representing significant sections of society, deserves a place at the table.

He added that the PDP’s approach has always been to bridge divides and ensure that all communities, irrespective of their backgrounds, have a say in shaping the future of the region. "If Jamaat-e-Islami wants to contest elections, it is a positive development. Democracy is a battle of ideas. The government should lift the ban on it. We would have accommodated them and provided sufficient space, seats and opportunities to contest."

Para added that if PDP comes to power, it will make efforts to lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami. He reiterated that such an inclusive approach is essential for lasting peace, tranquillity, prosperity and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — For the first time in the electoral history of Jammu and Kashmir, three prominent former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir—Dr Farooq Abdullah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Mehbooba Mufti—have decided not to contest the upcoming Assembly elections.

As per the news agency KNO, Dr Farooq Abdullah, a three-time Chief Minister, played a pivotal role in forging the alliance between the National Conference (NC) and the Congress party but has chosen to remain out of the contest himself.

Similarly, Ghulam Nabi Azad, another three-time Chief Minister, has also opted out of the race. Azad had previously secured a record 62.86% of the vote from Bhaderwah in 2008, where he had been a popular figure, leaving many surprised by his decision to step back.

Mehbooba Mufti, the first woman to serve as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has also decided not to run for the Assembly seat. Mehbooba, who began her political journey as an MLA from Bijbehara in 1996, became a significant figure in J&K politics when she took over the reins of the State in 2016. This year, however, her daughter, Iltija Mufti, is contesting from the Bijbehara seat.

Mehbooba's decision has sparked discussions about the future of her party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), in the Union Territory. Citing the constraints posed by Jammu and Kashmir’s current political status as a Union Territory, she expressed doubts about fulfilling her party’s agenda if elected.

Mehbooba Mufti highlighted her efforts during her previous tenure as Chief Minister, including the withdrawal of FIRs against 12,000 people and attempts to engage separatists in dialogue, actions she believes would be challenging to replicate under the present circumstances.

Mehbooba also commented on the NC-Congress alliance, stating that their union is motivated purely by power, unlike her previous alliances which were formed based on specific agendas, such as maintaining Article 370 and initiating talks with Pakistan and Hurriyat.

Meanwhile, a senior PDP leader said that the party president's decision to not contest the polls proves the commitment of the party towards the people of this region. "Mehbooba Ji had already stated on record that she will not step inside the Assembly that has been disenfranchised and downgraded beyond imagination. She has once again proven that she would not backtrack from her stand unlike those who change their stances every now and then," says the PDP leader.

SRINAGAR — The candidature of at least 36 candidates including the prominent religious cleric, Sarjan Barkati, who had filed their nomination papers to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in the first phase, has been rejected.

An official quoted by the news agency KNO said that 279 candidates had filed nomination papers in J&K for the first phase of elections, of which 244 have been accepted while 36 have been rejected.

He said that the nomination form of Sarjan Ahmad Barkati, who is in jail in a 'terror' funding case, has also been rejected.

Besides that, the nomination papers of Dr Bari Naik, who had filed nomination papers for the Devsar Assembly segment have also been rejected.

Social activist Aadil Nazir, who was accompanying Sugra Barkati daughter of Sarjan Barkati to file nomination papers on Tuesday, said that they would challenge the decision of rejecting the candidature in the court.

Soon after the news spread, people from different walks of life visited the residence of Sarjan Barkati in Reban Shopian to express sympathy.

PDP candidate for Zainapora constituency, Ghulam Mohiudin Wani and former MLA Aijaz Mir also visited his residence.

Gh Mohiudin Wani on the occasion said that in 1987, the same thing was done by NC that gave rise to militancy and militants like Salahuddin were born. He said that in a democracy, everyone has the right to contest elections and vote, adding that the nomination papers of Barkati shouldn't have been rejected.

Former MLA Aijaz Mir, who is fighting elections as an independent candidate, claimed that he had thought he would extend his support to Sarjan Barkati, adding that he would raise his voice in his favour if voted to power.

Former Chief Minister and JKPDP president, Mehbooba Mufti asked the Election Commission of India to make the reasons public for this decision.

"Sorry to hear about the rejection of the Assembly nomination form of Sarjan Barkati from Zainpora. The Election Commissioner must make the reasons public for this decision. Democracy is a battle of ideas, and everyone should be given a chance to participate in it," Mehbooba said in a post on X.

Pertinently, the first phase of the Assembly election will be held on September 18 for 24 seats including 16 in South Kashmir and eight in the Jammu region.

SRINAGAR — With the announcement of the long-awaited Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the region's political turf is rapidly evolving as major parties gear up for the first polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The elections, slated to be held in three phases starting September 18, have stirred intense political activity in the Union Territory.

The PDP, led by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, is holding a key meeting today to finalize its candidates for the Assembly polls. Speculation is rife that Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, is likely to be fielded from the politically significant Anantnag constituency in South Kashmir. Iltija's entry into the electoral fray could signal a strategic shift within the PDP as it seeks to reclaim its political stronghold in the region.

The Election Commission's announcement of the three-phased elections has been met with broad approval across the political spectrum. Leaders from various parties have welcomed the move, viewing it as a vital step towards restoring democratic governance in the Union Territory, which has been under Central rule for six years. The polling dates are set for September 18, 25, and October 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 4.

However, the lead-up to the elections has not been without controversy. A significant reshuffle within the Jammu and Kashmir Police as well as the bureaucracy, announced on Friday, has raised concerns among some political figures about the impartiality of the upcoming elections. The reshuffle, which included the appointment of senior IPS officer Nalin Prabhat as the new Special Director General of Police, replacing R R Swain upon his retirement, has prompted criticism from PDP leaders.

Iltija Mufti, speaking to reporters, expressed apprehension about the fairness of the electoral process. "Our concern is that elections should be conducted free, fair, and transparent," she stated, pointing to the abrupt and extensive transfers within the police force just before the election announcement. She accused the Lieutenant Governor's administration of bias and favouritism towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which she claimed could undermine the integrity of the election.

Adding to the political flux, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, a prominent former PDP leader and ex-cabinet minister in the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government, joined the BJP on Sunday. His defection marks a significant shift in the UT's political alignments, particularly as the BJP seeks to consolidate its influence in the run-up to the Assembly polls.

Ali, who had previously won from the Darhal constituency in Rajouri district in the 2008 and 2014 elections on a PDP ticket, was also a founding member of the Apni Party, which was formed in 2020 by disgruntled PDP members.

The upcoming elections are set to be a litmus test for the PDP as it tries to tackle internal challenges as well as external pressures in a bid to regain its foothold in Jammu and Kashmir. With Mehbooba Mufti at the helm and Iltija Mufti poised to potentially enter the electoral arena, the PDP's strategy in this high-stakes political contest will be closely watched by observers and constituents alike.

SRINAGAR — Mehbooba Mufti was forced by the then Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP) leaders to ally with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form the government in 2016. She had no intention of joining the hands with BJP, this was stated by senior PDP leader Khursheed Aalam.

“I won’t absolve anyone, even I was among the leaders who were keen to form the government and pressurized Mehbooba Mufti, otherwise she was not willing to form the government with the BJP,” Aalam told the news agency KNT.

After the death of her father Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in 2016, Mehbooba Mufti did not want to form a government with the BJP and had put some conditions like getting back power projects, and land under the army and safeguarding special status but most of her colleagues pressurized her and some even threatened to split the party if she didn’t budge.

Mehbooba Mufti had herself clarified that she did not want to form a government with the BJP in 2016, but a potential split in her party forced her to do so. She had blamed some of the leaders, who have since quit the PDP, for forcing her hand by travelling to the headquarters of BJP's ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), in Nagpur to convey their readiness to break the party to form a government without her.

“Mehbooba Ji has not greed for power. Her objective is not the chair but to mitigate the suffering of people. The people of Kashmir have been suffering a lot. They are being psychologically troubled, intimidated, harassed, and cowed down. Mehbooba Ji wants to ease the sufferings of the people,” Khursheed Aalam said.

SRINAGAR — Senior People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Sartaj Madni’s son, Aroot Madni, passed away on Sunday after suffering a heart attack at his residence in southern Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti shared the tragic news on social media platform X.

“Pains me to write this. We lost Aroot Madni – Sartaj sahab’s son who passed away due to a heart attack earlier today. No words can suffice for how we all feel. We raised him like a son and will miss him terribly. This aching void can never be filled,” she wrote.

SRINAGAR — The political turf in Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a surge of tension following the victory of Engineer Rashid in the Baramulla constituency. National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah's remarks about the election outcome have sparked a heated debate, with People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para strongly criticizing Abdullah's stance.

Omar Abdullah, as per the news agency KNO, expressed concern on Thursday that Engineer Rashid's triumph could strengthen separatist ideology and reinvigorate the Islamic movement in Kashmir.

"Rashid's victory will, without any doubt, empower the separatists and give a ray of hope to the defeated Islamic movement in Kashmir," Omar stated on Twitter. He linked this outcome to the broader political strategy of integrating separatists into mainstream politics, a move, as per him, that has historically backfired.

Engineer Rashid, also known as Abdul Rashid Sheikh, is currently incarcerated on militancy funding charges. Despite his imprisonment, he secured the Baramulla seat with a margin of over 200,000 votes, defeating prominent figures including Omar Abdullah and Sajjad Lone. Rashid garnered a total of 472,481 votes.

In response to Omar's comments, Waheed Para of the PDP voiced his disappointment, accusing Abdullah of refusing to accept the democratic mandate.

"I am extremely disappointed by Omar Abdullah's regressive stance, which is reminiscent of the divisive politics of 1987 and labelling democratic expression as 'Islamic wave'. His (Omar's) family's history with the Muslim Conference has been to oust PDP, Engineer Rashid, and JeI (Jamaat-e-Islami). Also, it has been increasing the conflict between Kashmir and the Centre," Para stated.

Para further argued that a more prudent approach, similar to Mehbooba Mufti's appeal for Rashid's release, would have been more appropriate.

Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and PDP chief, congratulated Engineer Rashid and called for his release.

"Hearty congratulations to Mian Altaf, Agha Ruhullah, Engineer Rashid, and Hanifa Jaan for winning the Parliament elections. The Indian government should respect the people's decision and release Engineer Rashid," Mufti posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

SRINAGAR — The Lok Sabha election results in Kashmir have sprung a few surprises as former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti were humbled at the hustings by lesser-known candidates.

While Mufti lost to Gujjar leader and National Conference candidate Mian Altaf Ahmad by a huge margin in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, Abdullah was defeated by former MLA and militancy financing accused Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid in Baramulla.

Also to fall by the wayside was People’s Conference president Sajjad Gani Lone in the Baramulla seat in northern Kashmir.

Rashid, a 56-year-old former MLA from the Langate assembly segment in Kupwara district, was arrested in 2019 and charged by the NIA under UAPA. He was the first mainstream politician to be booked under the anti-terror law. His campaign was run by his son Abrar, who thanked people for their “love and support”.

“I am thankful to people who not only supported our campaign but showered their love and converted it into votes as well. Winning or losing doesn’t matter much to us. What matters to me is the love we got from the people,” Abrar told reporters after his father took a substantial lead.

Abdullah conceded defeat and congratulated Rashid on his victory. “I think it’s time to accept the inevitable. Congratulations to Engineer Rashid for his victory in North Kashmir,” Abdullah said in a post on ‘X’.

He said voters have spoken and in a democracy, that is all that matters. “I don’t believe his victory will hasten his release from prison nor will the people of North Kashmir get the representation they have a right to but the voters have spoken and in a democracy that’s all that matters,” Abdullah said.

Lone also conceded defeat and congratulated Rashid. “With all humility at my command I accept defeat. And it is time to congratulate Engineer Rashid. I wanted to make a difference. I thought we should be empowered economically, socially and politically to be able to make a difference and be counted. We had suffered a lot in the past 30 yrs and been robbed of all our dignity. The people’s mandate is supreme. I accept the people’s mandate with all humility,” Lone posted on ‘X’.

Another key player in Jammu and Kashmir politics, Mehbooba Mufti said winning and losing are part of the game.

“Respecting the verdict of the people I thank my PDP workers & leaders for their hard work & support despite all the odds. My deepest gratitude to the people who voted for me. Winning & losing is part of the game & won’t deter us from our path,” she posted on X.

Her daughter Iltija Mufti said she accepted the “verdict of the people” and thanked the PDP workers and voters.

“We accept the verdict of the people. My deepest gratitude to PDP workers & leaders for their hard work & the people who voted for Mehbooba ji. Our journey of rebuilding PDP has only begun & Inshallah we will fulfil Mufti sahab’s vision. And Mum I love you & will always have your back,” she posted on ‘X’.

In the prestigious Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, National Conference leader Aga Roohullah Mehdi defeated rival candidate and PDP youth president Waheed Para.

“I thank the people for the mandate. I want to tell them that their mandate will be respected and they will be represented in Parliament in the way for which they have given their mandate,” Roohullah told reporters at the counting centre here.

The influential Shia leader congratulated Engineer Rashid on his victory.

“I also wanted to congratulate Omar Abdullah, but as per the trend, it seems the people have decided otherwise. I hope that they get what they voted for, the release of Engineer sahab. I want to congratulate Engineer Rashid and his family and respect this mandate,” he said.

Roohullah said he will raise the abrogation of Article 370 in Parliament.

“I will raise the issue of what was snatched from us and that we do not accept the decisions taken on August 5, 2019. I will vociferously take their voice to Parliament and seek its restoration. This mandate increases my responsibility,” he added.

Para said people of Kashmir have spoken for the first time in years.

Apni Party founder Altaf Bukhari said the results in Kashmir have signalled an end to dynastic rule here.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have spoken, and their verdict is clear. With grace and humility, we accept the outcome of the election. The rejection of dynastic politics and the defeat of the former two chief ministers of J&K is a resounding message, and we acknowledge the desire for change,” Bukhari said.

He said his party will use this opportunity to introspect, learn from its mistakes and emerge stronger and more resilient.

“We respect the democratic process and the will of the people, and we look forward to a fresh start. May this new chapter bring prosperity, peace and progress to Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

SRINAGAR — National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti conceded defeat on Tuesday from their respective Lok Sabha seats even as counting of votes was still underway.

According to the ECI data for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, jailed former MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid was leading against former chief minister Abdullah by a margin of more than 1.25 lakh votes.

“I think it’s time to accept the inevitable. Congratulations to Engineer Rashid for his victory in North Kashmir,” Abdullah said in a post on X at 1:37 pm. He said the voters have spoken and in a democracy that is all that matters.

“I don’t believe his victory will hasten his release from prison nor will the people of North Kashmir get the representation they have a right to but the voters have spoken and in a democracy that’s all that matters,” Abdullah said.

Former chief minister Mufti also conceded defeat from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat.

“Respecting the verdict of the people, I thank my PDP workers & leaders for their hard work & support despite all the odds. My deepest gratitude to the people who voted for me. Winning & losing is part of the game & won't deter us from our path,” Mufti posted on X at 1:58 pm.

National Conference Gujjar leader Mian Altaf is leading from the seat by over 2.29 lakh votes, according to the latest EC figures.

Abdullah also congratulated his party colleagues Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Mian Altaf who are leading by huge margins from Srinagar and Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seats respectively.

“To my @JKNC_ colleagues @RuhullahMehdi & Mian Altaf Sb my heartfelt congratulations. I’m sorry I won’t be joining them in the Lok Sabha but I’m sure both of them will do an amazing job representing the people of J&K,” Abdullah said in his post.

SRINAGAR — As the counting of votes for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls is underway, the National Conference (NC) and Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) are ahead in two seats each in Jammu and Kashmir, according to early result trends.

According to data released by the Chief Election Officer J&K, the NC is leading in Srinagar and Anantnag-Rajouri seats, while the BJP is leading in Jammu and Udhampur seats.

The data shows that independent candidate Er Rashid is leading in the Baramulla constituency against National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah, while People’s Conference chairman Sajjad Lone is in the third spot.

Main Altaf of NC is leading against People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti in Anantnag-Rajouri, while NC’s Aga Ruhullah is leading against PDP’s Waheed Para.

Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh is leading against Congress’ Choudhary Lal Singh in Jammu, while Jugal Kishar of BJP is leading against Raman Bhalla of Congress in Jammu constituency.

SRINAGAR — Two former chief ministers of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir — Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti — are trailing in their constituencies in the first hour of counting on Tuesday, according to the Election Commission.

Abdullah contested the polls from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, while Mehbooba from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.

Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference (NC), is trailing by over 2,600 votes in the first hour of counting against his nearest rival and independent candidate Sheikh Abdul Rashid.

The NC leader is locked in a virtual triangular contest for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat with separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajjad Gani Lone and Rashid alias Engineer Rashid, a former MLA currently lodged in Tihar jail in a UAPA case.

Mehbooba, the president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who is up against prominent Gujjar and NC leader Mian Altaf Ahmad in Anantnag-Rajouri seat, is trailing by over 26,000 votes.

On the third seat in the Kashmir valley — the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency — NC’s Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is leading over his nearest rival, PDP’s Waheed Para — by over 3,300 votes.