Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti announced on Sunday that her party is prepared to back a Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections, provided the alliance agrees to the PDP’s agenda. Mehbooba Mufti emphasized that the support hinges on the acceptance of key PDP goals, particularly those related to Jammu and Kashmir’s political and constitutional status.
Mehbooba Mufti highlighted that the recent Lok Sabha elections indicated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have concerns with the BJP government’s handling of the region. She noted that the abrogation of Article 370 has complicated matters further. The PDP, under Mehbooba Mufti’s leadership, has historically allied with other parties based on a defined agenda and motive. In her statement, Mehbooba Mufti reiterated that if the Congress is willing to align with the PDP’s objectives, the party would be open to extending its support.
On August 24, Mehbooba Mufti underscored that the upcoming assembly elections are about more than just statehood or seat-sharing. She framed the election as a pursuit of “dignity” and “resolution,” placing these goals above immediate political gains. During a press conference to unveil the PDP’s election manifesto, she stressed that while alliances and seat-sharing are considerations, they are secondary to the broader issues at stake.
The PDP’s manifesto for the upcoming elections includes commitments to restore Articles 370 and 35A, initiate diplomatic dialogue between India and Pakistan, and ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits. These issues form the core of the PDP’s agenda and are central to its electoral strategy.
In the 2014 assembly elections, the PDP secured 28 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 25, the National Conference obtained 15, and the Congress secured 12 seats. The PDP subsequently formed a coalition government with the BJP, led by Mehbooba Mufti following the death of her father, Mehbooba Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. However, in 2018, the BJP withdrew support from the coalition, leading to its dissolution.
The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to occur in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. The results will be announced on October 4. These elections will be the first since the abrogation of Article 370, making them a significant political event for the region.
