Former MLA’s son joins People’s Democratic Party

Srinagar, Sep 02: Former Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday criticised the National Conference, asserting that the PDP government’s performance was superior despite having fewer MLAs.

Speaking to reporters in south Kashmir’s Pulwama, Mufti, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), compared the governance of her party with the decades-long rule of the NC, which had often governed with an absolute majority.

“Even with significantly fewer MLAs and a shorter period in power, the PDP’s performance was notably better than that of the NC, which has governed Jammu and Kashmir for about 50 of the last 70 years,” Mehbooba said.

She said that the NC Vice President and former chief minister Omar Abdullah, during his tenure as a minister in the BJP-led government, did not bring about substantial change.

The PDP chief criticised the NC for its past decisions, such as implementing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), banning Shahtoosh (a type of shawl made from the wool of the Tibetan antelope) and advocating for aggressive actions against Pakistan.

She said the PDP’s efforts included withdrawing FIRs against around 12,000 youths, initiating dialogue with the Hurriyat Conference through a delegation from Delhi and implementing a ceasefire during her tenure.

Mufti also mentioned the infamous Shopian rape and murder case that occurred under Omar Abdullah’s government. “During my administration, two ministers were dismissed in connection with the Rasana rape case,” she said.

Meanwhile, PDP saw a boost in Pulwama as Er Nazir Ahmad Dar, the son of former minister for Industries and Commerce Sonaullah Dar, joined the party along with his supporters—(KNO)