NC Calls Elections Halal When They Win, Haram When They Lose,” Says PDP Chief
Srinagar, Aug 30 : People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Friday criticized the National Conference (NC), accusing them of making elections “haram” for Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in 1987. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Mehbooba recalled how the NC opposed JeI and other groups’ participation in the 1987 elections, fearing the rise of a third political force.
She pointed out that the NC’s stance on elections has shifted over time. “First, elections were haram for them; now, they are halal. But that’s entirely their call,” she remarked.
Mehbooba elaborated on the NC’s inconsistent position regarding elections, tracing it back to 1947 when late Sheikh Abdullah first became the Chief Administrative Officer of J&K and later joined India. “Back then, elections were halal. But when Sheikh Abdullah was removed from power, elections were deemed haram for the next 22 years,” she added.
During those years, the NC consistently opposed the election process, instead advocating for a plebiscite to determine Jammu and Kashmir’s future, with the option of joining Pakistan. However, when Sheikh Abdullah returned to power in 1975, elections were suddenly considered halal again.
Mehbooba expressed concern over this pattern of labeling elections as halal or haram, which she believes has negatively impacted the political process in Jammu and Kashmir. “It’s disheartening to see this narrative still being used today,” she said.
She also urged the government to lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and return their confiscated assets. “If Jamaat-e-Islami wishes to participate in elections, it should be recognized as a battle of democratic ideas. Their institutions and assets should be unfrozen and returned,” she asserted.
Mehbooba concluded by condemning the NC’s inconsistent approach, stating, “It’s unfortunate that the National Conference calls elections halal when they win and haram when they lose. This inconsistency is entirely their decision.”(KNS)
