PDP President Mehbooba Mufti firmly ruled out any possibility of a tie-up with the BJP for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections, emphasizing that her party will play a crucial role in the formation of the next government. Addressing party workers on Tuesday, Mufti criticized the National Conference (NC) for prioritizing government formation over genuine political goals, accusing them of forming alliances solely for ministerial positions since 1947.
Mufti reiterated that the PDP is focused on contesting the elections with a clear agenda, rather than just seeking power. She confidently stated, “No government will be formed after the assembly polls without the inclusion of the PDP.” Recalling the PDP’s previous government formation with just 16 MLAs in 2002, she expressed hope that her party would once again be pivotal in the next administration.
Despite her party’s past coalition with the BJP in 2015, Mufti ruled out any future alliance with the saffron party, citing the BJP’s actions that have undone previous efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue. She stressed that the PDP’s previous dealings with the central government were conducted transparently, unlike the secretive approach of the NC, as alleged by former NC leader Devender Singh Rana.
Mufti also addressed concerns about police harassment in the region, urging the Lieutenant Governor to ensure that upcoming elections are conducted fairly, without undue pressure on citizens.
When asked about Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti welcomed the Congress leader, acknowledging his right to campaign in the region.
