SRINAGAR: Mehbooba Mufti, the President of the Peopleโs Democratic Party (PDP), has announced her candidacy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, poised to witness a significant electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mufti will face formidable opponents including DPAP President and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, National Conference nominee and influential Gujjar leader Mian Altaf Ahmad, and Pahari representative from the Apni Party, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has yet to disclose its candidate for the constituency.
ALSO READ: BJP marks Foundation Day, foresees another term at Centre
PDP Parliamentary Board Chief Sartaj Madni unveiled the partyโs candidates for the three Kashmir seats. Waheed Parra, the President of the partyโs youth wing, will compete for the Srinagar seat, while former Rajya Sabha member Fayaz Mir will contest from Baramulla.
Mufti emphasized the significance of the Southern Parliamentary constituency, indicating New Delhiโs prioritization of the regionโs affairs. She affirmed her partyโs support for the Congress on two seats in the Jammu region, stressing the importance of advocating for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament.
Additionally, Mufti highlighted her partyโs endorsement of the INDIA bloc, underscoring the need to address the countryโs current challenges, including constitutional violations and minority issues.
ALSO READ: Dr. Savita Dattโs Prakash Deep Trust: Empowering education for underprivileged children
Expressing disappointment over the lack of consultation from the National Conference regarding contesting all three seats, Mufti urged unity and collaboration to address the difficulties faced by the people of Regarding her partyโs stance on the Congress partyโs manifesto, Mufti praised it as the most promising in the past 70 years, focusing on achievable goals.
When asked about campaigning for the INDIA bloc outside Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti expressed reluctance, prioritizing efforts to strengthen the alliance within the state. Concerning BJP leader Tarun Chughโs meetings with other party leaders, Mufti pointed out the absence of Ghulam Nabi Azad from the count.
