Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 8: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today questioned Centre’s assertions about restoring normalcy in Kashmir.
Addressing election rallies in Chadoora, Mufti criticized the disparity in power tariffs, highlighting that while Jammu and Kashmir provides subsidized power to other states, its own residents face exorbitant rates.
She underscored the dire levels of joblessness in the region, emphasizing that the ongoing elections are crucial for the future generations of Jammu and Kashmir to pull the youth out of the uncertainty morass.
The PDP President recounted her initiative in the formation of Gupkar alliance and her keenness to collaborate with other political groups, including the National Conference (NC). However, she said NC leader Omar Abdullah’s dismissal of PDP’s relevance, awakened PDP workers and the people too did not like the arrogant attitude.
“I wanted this fight to be fought together with other political parties and groups. I trusted the NC patriarch Dr. Farooq Abdullah. I was sure that he would decide the forthcoming strategy on merit,” she said.
Reflecting on PDP’s historical contributions, Mufti emphasized the party’s pivotal role in ushering in a period of peace and development during its governance.
She highlighted achievements such as the opening of the Muzaffarabad road and the establishment of institutions like AIIMS and Islamic University, attributing these to PDP’s proactive measures. “When for the first time, PDP formed the government in 2002, within a mere three years, the entire picture changed. People heaved a sigh of relief from uncertainty, bloodshed, and mayhem, a new era of peace and tranquility ushered. Muzaffarabad road was opened, and new pro-peace measures were taken. Sight me a single instance when within just three years, any Chief Minister of the state in its history has taken such bold and pro-people measures. Today, people have AIIMS, Islamic University, an expressway from Srinagar to Anantnag, and thousands of jobs due to Rehbar-e-Taleem. This was all done by the PDP,” Mehbooba said.
Echoing PDP president’s sentiments, PDP’s Srinagar candidate Waheed ur Rahman Parra highlighted the significance of the upcoming elections.
He emphasized that the polls represent a crucial battle to safeguard the interests of future generations in Jammu and Kashmir. Urging youth to stand firm against external pressures, he reassured them that victory is within reach.
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