Urges voters to ‘reclaim people’s voice’

Naveed Ul Haq

Budgam, Oct 26 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday criticized the National Conference (NC), claiming it has betrayed the people of Budgam and used the constituency merely as ‘a political tool’.

Speaking to party workers and supporters at Budgam, Mehbooba, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), stated that the National Conference has failed to deliver on its promises and that the area still faces neglect and underdevelopment.

In a direct attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, she noted that his earlier victory in Budgam came with grand promises that were never fulfilled. “He won by a large margin, assuring the people that he will choose Budgam if he wins there by a large margin. But now, he has abandoned those who trusted him. This is pure betrayal,” Mehbooba said.

She also pointed out that new employment opportunities are lacking despite promises of jobs. “People voted for one party hoping it would help them, but things have only gotten worse,” she said, urging voters to learn from the NC’s past actions.

Commenting on the rising power bills, she remarked, “Send your mothers and sisters from home to home and let them know how much electricity rates have increased. Omar Abdullah says his sister and aunt installed meters—but how can we compare their homes with those of poor families? For the poor, even a thousand rupees matters.”

Mehbooba added that National Conference MLAs are now going from neighborhood to neighborhood in search of votes in Budgam, but people should make it clear that they made a mistake and deserve a consequence.

She emphasized that Budgam needs “a leader who is connected to the people and supports them during tough times.”

The PDP Chief reaffirmed her party’s commitment to restoring the dignity, identity and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Our fight is not for power, but for the people. Together, we can bring back trust in politics that supports rather than exploits,” she added—(KNO)