No Secret Deals: Mehbooba Mufti Clarifies PDP’s Stance on BJP Alliance
Srinagar, Sep 3, KNT: People’s Democratic Party (PDP), President Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday categorically dismissed any possibility of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir. She confidently stated that the formation of a government after the upcoming Assembly elections would be impossible without the participation of the PDP, emphasizing her party’s crucial role in the region’s political landscape.
Mehbooba Mufti as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust launched a scathing attack on the National Conference, accusing the party of prioritizing power over purpose. “Since 1947, their sole objective has been to cling to government positions, rather than serving the people,” she declared while addressing party workers at the PDP headquarters in Srinagar.
“Their approach to politics is centered around forming alliances and securing ministerial posts, rather than working towards a higher goal,” she added, criticizing the NC’s perceived ‘lust’ for power.
Mehbooba Mufti emphasized that her party’s participation in the upcoming elections is driven by a clear agenda, rather than a mere desire for power. She confidently stated that the PDP’s involvement is crucial for any potential government formation after the assembly polls, citing the party’s previous experience in 2002 when they formed a government with just 16 MLAs. “We have done it before, and God willing, we will do it again – no government can be formed without the PDP,” she asserted. However, she clarified that the party’s primary focus remains on implementing its agenda, rather than solely pursuing government formation.
Mehbooba Mufti highlighted the transparency of her party’s past negotiations with the Central government, facilitated by Ram Madhav, saying, “Our talks were conducted openly, with a clear agenda that we successfully implemented.” She contrasted this approach with that of National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, implying that he engaged in secretive dealings. She also referenced earlier comments made by Ghulam Nabi Azad, who alleged that NC leaders would meet with BJP officials in Delhi under the cover of darkness. “Unlike them (Azad and Davinder Rana) we conduct our business in the open, without secrecy or hidden agendas,” she emphasized.
Mehbooba Mufti made it clear that her party, the PDP, currently has no communication or ties with the BJP, and suggested that this stance is unlikely to change, saying “perhaps there will not be any” contact or alliance with the BJP in the future.
When questioned about Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, Mehbooba welcomed the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, saying, “He has every right to come to Kashmir and campaign for his party. He is most welcome.” [KNT]
