Speaking at a press conference, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said, “We have decided to give support to the NC and vote for their candidates.” The former chief minister added that the decision was driven by the imperative to keep the BJP away
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti. File pic
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday announced its support to the ruling National Conference (NC) in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, emphasising the need to keep the "fascist forces" out of power.
Speaking at a press conference, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said, “We have decided to give support to the NC and vote for their candidates.”
The former chief minister added that the decision was driven by the imperative to keep the BJP away, PTI reported.
“The PDP, which holds three votes, will vote with the intent to block the BJP and back a party that opposes communal and fascist forces at any cost,” Mufti asserted.
She also criticised the NC for breaking the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a coalition of political parties seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
“When the PAGD was created, we aimed to provide collective leadership to J-K to fight the BJP’s onslaught, but the NC broke the alliance once they saw it did not serve their interests,” said Mufti.
PAGD was formed in October 2020, following the Centre’s abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Highlighting recent political dynamics, Mufti stated, “Today, as part of the India alliance, the NC has sidelined the Congress in the Rajya Sabha polls. They don’t deserve our trust or votes, but for the larger cause, we have decided to support the NC.”
The PDP chief revealed that the decision came after discussions with the party leadership and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) following a request from NC.
On Wednesday, NC chief Farooq Abdullah reached out to her for support, and NC’s Rajya Sabha candidate and treasurer GS Oberoi (Shammi Oberoi) met her on Wednesday.
Mufti said her party’s support is contingent on the NC backing two key bills introduced by PDP legislators in the assembly — the Land Regularisation Bill and the Regularisation of Daily Wagers Bill.
“I told Farooq Abdullah to help us pass these bills. They have the majority, the Speaker, and the Assembly,” she said.
She also cited opposition from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, who had labelled the Land Regularisation Bill as ‘land jihad’ and threatened to block it.
“I hope the NC, as assured by Oberoi and Omar Abdullah, will not obstruct any pro-people legislation and will support these bills,” said Mufti.
On the Rajya Sabha voting strategy, the PDP chief said her party will support the NC’s candidate for the third seat but not the fourth.
“We have three votes, which are few but significant. We will give our votes for the third preference to Shammi Oberoi. We do not want to support the fourth candidate, as if they lose that seat, PDP will be blamed. The NC can shift votes for the fourth seat,” she said.
Mufti also warned that if the NC does not act on PDP’s bills, “the decision will be taken in the people’s court”.
Addressing Sharma’s threat again, Mufti said, “I hope Omar Abdullah counters the BJP’s agenda and ensures these bills come up in the Assembly and are passed. If not, the people will have to decide who is enforcing the BJP’s agenda in J-K.”
She added, “If our bills are kept aside, it will mean that Sharma’s threat is being implemented by the NC.”
(With PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
