Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes National Conference for Disrupting PAGD Unity

Press Trust of Kashmir

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti expressed disappointment on Friday as the National Conference (NC) unilaterally decided to contest all three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, effectively disrupting the unity of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). PAGD, an alliance of five political parties, aims to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir revoked by the Centre in 2019.

Mufti accused the NC of reducing PAGD to a “joke” and described their decision as a setback to the hopes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She emphasized that the PDP did not break the alliance and lamented the fragmentation of PAGD, which she described as a unique alliance.

The NC’s announcement to contest all three seats in the Kashmir valley and offering the Congress two seats in the Jammu region, with a consensus candidate for Ladakh, has sparked controversy within the alliance. Mufti reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to discussing future strategies with the Congress and reiterated the party’s stance as part of the INDIA bloc.

Expressing regret over the dissolution of unity within PAGD, Mufti highlighted the lack of consultation by the NC leadership, emphasizing that such decisions could have been resolved through dialogue. She criticized the NC for not consulting the PDP and taking a unilateral decision that shattered the alliance’s unity.

Mufti concluded by stating that while the BJP failed to disrupt PAGD, it was disappointing to witness a member of the alliance itself causing fragmentation. She emphasized the need for dialogue and consultation within the alliance to maintain unity and effectively address the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.