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The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly elections have taken a new turn with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti, extending a conditional offer of support to the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance. Mufti, while releasing the PDP’s election manifesto, stated that her party would fully back the NC-Congress if their campaign platform prioritizes a resolution of the Kashmir issue.
This offer comes as a significant development in the political landscape of J&K. While the PDP and NC are traditionally rivals in the Valley, the Congress and NC have recently forged an alliance for the upcoming Assembly polls. This alliance mirrors their collaboration in the recent Lok Sabha elections, further highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the region.
The PDP’s stance clearly prioritizes the Kashmir issue above electoral gains. Mufti emphasized that the party's commitment to resolving the long-standing conflict is paramount, even if it means backing a rival alliance. This reflects the PDP's core ideology and its emphasis on addressing the historical grievances of the Kashmiri people.
The PDP’s manifesto also outlines its key policy positions, including advocating for diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan, restoring the constitutional guarantees revoked in 2019, and addressing issues related to land ownership, employment, and the economy. The party has pledged to revoke the Public Safety Act, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, and Enemy Act, along with reiterating its commitment to the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
The PDP's willingness to support the NC-Congress alliance, albeit with a condition, adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate political scenario in J&K. The response of the NC-Congress alliance, and how they navigate this offer, will be crucial in determining the future course of the campaign. The upcoming elections in J&K are not merely about power-sharing but about addressing the fundamental issues that have plagued the region for decades. The stance taken by each party will ultimately be judged by how effectively they address these core concerns and their commitment to bringing peace and stability to the region.
Source: Left in cold by INDIA in J-K polls, Mehbooba says will support NC-Cong if it backs ‘PDP agenda’