Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections 2024: In a significant political development, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has announced that she will not be contesting the forthcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Mufti, who previously served as the Chief Minister of the erstwhile state, pointed out that even if she were to become the CM again, she would be unable to fulfil her party’s agenda under the current circumstances in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Mufti expressed her concerns about the political environment in Jammu and Kashmir, indicating that the present conditions are not conducive to realizing the PDP’s objectives. She suggested that the central government’s policies and the status of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory pose "significant challenges to governance" and the implementation of her party’s vision for the region.
What did the PDP chief say?
"I have been chief minister of a government with the BJP which revoked FIRs against 12,000 persons (in 2016). Can we do that now? I, as the chief minister of a government with (PM) Modi, wrote a letter to separatists to invite them for talks. Can you do that today? I got a ceasefire (implemented) on the ground. Can you do that today? If you cannot take back an FIR as chief minister, what does one do with such a post?" she said.
Mufti was asked about whether she has reconsidered her decision not to contest the upcoming assembly elections. This query arose after Omar Abdullah, vice president of the National Conference and a key political rival, reversed his earlier stance and announced his participation in the polls despite Jammu and Kashmir's current status as a Union Territory. Mufti was asked if Abdullah's decision had influenced her own position on running for office. However, she did not indicate any change of heart regarding her announcement to stay out of the electoral race. "Omar himself said that he will have to be at the door of the (lieutenant) governor for transfer of a peon. I am not bothered about the transfer of the peon but can we implement our agenda?" the PDP chief said.
J-K Assembly polls 2024
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Polling to elect 90 members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will take place in three phases. The elections will be held on September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results of the polls will be announced on October 4. It will be the first election in the valley since provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution were abrogated and the erstwhile state divided into two Union Territories in 2019.
(With PTI inputs)
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