Mehbooba Mufti Declares PDP's Central Role in Jammu and Kashmir Politics, Says BJP 'Won't Even Get 15 Seats'

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 26 September 2024, New Delhi – In a bold statement during her election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti asserted that it would be impossible to form a government in the state without the PDP's involvement. With only one phase of voting remaining in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir elections, Mufti's declaration has ignited widespread discussion in political circles, further intensifying the already charged atmosphere.

As the state heads towards the final round of polling, all eyes are on the eventual outcome and the battle for what is often referred to as the "throne of heaven." Mufti, confident of her party’s influence, dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) chances, claiming they would not even secure 15 seats in the state assembly. "The BJP will never be able to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir," Mufti declared, adding that the PDP would support the formation of any secular government in the region.

Her comments signal the PDP’s intent to play a pivotal role in shaping the future political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, with or without a clear majority. Mufti also underlined the need for international attention on the region's governance, implying that broader support, beyond domestic politics, could be essential in resolving the state's complex issues.

In a sharp attack on the BJP, Mufti criticized the party's approach to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing how her late father, former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, had worked tirelessly to uphold the Indian national flag during the Kashmir unrest of the 1960s. She expressed her outrage at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of her family, labeling the remarks as unjust and politically motivated. "The Prime Minister came to Jammu and Kashmir not to address the concerns of the people here but to malign me and my family," she said, accusing Modi of lacking a genuine agenda for the state.

Mufti highlighted the sacrifices made by her family in the name of national unity, reiterating that her father had stood by India during its most difficult times in Kashmir, contrary to the anti-national label recently thrown at them by BJP leaders. "We have kept the Indian flag aloft in this region during the most turbulent times, and yet we are being called anti-national today," she added, pointing out the irony in the BJP's rhetoric.

As the final phase of polling approaches, Mufti’s statements have drawn sharp reactions from her political opponents, but her supporters remain hopeful that the PDP will emerge as a key player in the formation of the next government. Whether or not the BJP can counter her claims will become clear when the election results are announced.