People’s faith in democracy revived after formation of PDP: Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 10 : Riterating resolve of his party to establish a new system of justice and equality in the State, patron of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that emergence of PDP has restored sanctity of democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that successive National Conference regime have never allowed democracy to flourish in Jammu and Kashmir but it was only after emergence in PDP in the political scenario of the State that faith of people was restored in democratic institutions. Addressing a function to welcome large number of youth who joined PDP here today, Mufti argued that democracy was the best way to address aspirations of the people by involving common masses in governance. He, however, regretted that unlike other parts of the country people of Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of the real taste of democracy because successive National Conference regimes were indulged into deceit tactics to undermine democratic institutions. He mentioned towards infamous rigged elections of 1987 to substantiate his argument. He said it was only after formation of PDP that an alternative was emerged in the State and this party has been aggressively pursuing pro-people agenda. He said that formation of PDP was turning point in the history of Jammu and Kashmir because this party has emerged as credible and real voice of the people. Mufti said that PDP has also scripted a new chapter of peace and development in the State and has challenged the hegemony of National Conference. “The way people of the State has been supporting our party, it has become clear that there is no alternative of PDP in the State and this party is going to change destiny of the people by implementing its progressive and visionary agenda”, he said, adding, change is imminent in Jammu and Kashmir because people have faith in the policies and programmes of PDP. Seeking cooperation of the people, he said that PDP with the help of the masses want to change destiny of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Attaining power is not our only agenda. Our aim is to get people of Jammu and Kashmir out of the present corrupt system and to change their fate,” he added. Pointing towards rampant corruption in the State, He observed that governance deficit was the main reason of increasing alienation of the people. “Corruption has crossed all limits due to lack of transparency and accountability in the Government”, he said and pointed out anti-graft panels have been deliberately made defunct in the State.