Srinagar, Apr 29 :
Despite facing constant direct and indirect criticism from the National Conference, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chosen to maintain a stoic silence, remaining focused on its election agenda: safeguarding Kashmir’s core identity and addressing what the party terms as “the pervasive crises affecting Jammu and Kashmir.”
As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has been actively campaigning in South Kashmir’s Anantnag-Rajouri constituency for the past month, hosting numerous roadshows and rallies. Throughout this period, the PDP President notably refrained from responding to the barbs hurled by her arch-rival, National Conference, particularly its vice President, Omar Abdullah.
On April 21, Omar Abdullah remarked during an election rally in Bijbehara, Anantnag district, Mehbooba Mufti’s hometown, stating, “The INDIA alliance is fighting the BJP, and the INDIA alliance is here on this stage. Those who are not on this stage are trying to benefit the BJP. This is a fact.” Omar accused the PDP of aligning with the BJP for its own gain.
Addressing roadshows in South Kashmir’s Kokernag the following day, Mehbooba Mufti made a passionate plea for unity, urging workers and activists from various political parties to support the PDP in the upcoming elections. She emphasized the importance of rising above partisan politics to safeguard the region’s core identity and interests.
A senior PDP leader emphasized that the party had decided from the outset not to turn the ongoing election into a battle between the NC and the PDP. They stressed that the current polls were crucial and transcended petty politics, focusing instead on the core interests of the region.
Meanwhile, the National Conference continues its attacks on the PDP, labeling it as the BJP’s “C team.” A National Conference leader defended their stance, stating, “We will keep calling a spade a spade. Why should we remain silent? If we don’t speak up now, then when?”—(KNO)