Another blow for INDIA bloc as PDP to contest Lok Sabha election independently
- In Reports
- 05:00 PM, Apr 03, 2024
- Myind Staff
In another setback for the emerging INDIA bloc, Mehbooba Mufti, the Chief of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), declared that her party would field candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This announcement followed National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah's statement that they intend to contest elections for all three seats in Kashmir.
"In Mumbai, I stated that Farooq Abdullah is our most suitable representative and he will make the decision. Omar Abdullah should have consulted me regarding this matter for the greater interest. We were not intending to engage in conflict over parliamentary elections," Mufti informed reporters in Srinagar.
"But the manner in which Omar Abdullah stated that the PDP doesn't exist and is nowhere has caused us distress," Mufti remarked. "The BJP has significantly weakened my party, but Omar's statement has further disheartened my workers. Now, my workers are urging me to field our own candidates," she added.
"I'm disappointed with Omar Abdullah's remarks about the PDP," she added. The former Chief Minister further asserted that her party would now participate in the contest independently.
The former Chief Minister alleged "All the agencies are targeting my workers, so I believe my workers were humiliated by Omar Abdullah's statement."
Mufti informed reporters. "We will nominate our candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections."
In response, Omar Abdullah stated, "If PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has announced to field candidates for all 5 seats, it is her choice. We have nominated candidates for 3 seats in Kashmir based on her formula."
He added, "If she is fielding her own candidates, then perhaps she does not want any kind of alliance even for the assembly elections. We kept the door open; now if she has closed the door, then it is not our fault."
The National Conference and the People's Democratic Party are partners in the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance formed to challenge the BJP in the general elections.
Both regional parties are crucial constituents of the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, aimed at restoring special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory will be held in the first five phases on April 19 (Udhampur), April 26 (Jammu), May 7 (Anantnag-Rajouri), May 13 (Srinagar), and May 20 (Baramulla). The counting of votes will be conducted on June 4.
Image source: ANI
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