SRINAGAR: Former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti expressed hope that the result of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be better for the opposition political parties after the BJP appeared set for a victory in three out of the four states on Sunday that went to polls recently.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party convention in Kupwara, Mehbooba Mufti said the opposition political parties faced the might of the government, including its probe agencies, money power, and the Election Commission, in the Assembly elections, local news agencies have reported.

“I hope that the results are better (for opposition) in 2024 (Lok Sabha polls) than these elections,” Mehbooba said.

“Today, when elections are held, on the one side is the opposition, and on the other side is the might of the government, agencies, money, and Election Commission,” she said.

Mehbooba refused to comment on the delay in elections in Jammu and Kashmir, saying she had come to Kupwara to address the problems of the people.

“I had come here to listen to the problems and sufferings of the people. We will talk about elections some other time,” she said when asked about the delay in holding the polls.

She also refuted reports of internal bickering in the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) and asserted that the alliance was strong.

PDP’s alliances were dictated by people’s interests

Mehbooba Mufti asserted that in its political struggle, PDP was led by the interests of the people and not by a personal ambition for power.

Earlier, addressing a workers’ convention, Mehbooba highlighted the historical pitfalls of J&K’s political landscape, where alliances with the central government often prioritised power dynamics rather than the well-being of the region’s inhabitants. However, she underscored that the PDP’s engagements with national parties, such as the Congress in 2002 and the BJP in 2014, were driven by a commitment to securing the interests of the people.

Mehbooba elaborated on the alliance with Congress, emphasising a written Common Minimum Program (CMP) that aimed at dismantling draconian laws like POTA, disbanding the Special Operations Group (SOG), and bringing relief to the lives of people affected by conflict and violence.

“The alliance with the BJP was based on a written agenda of alliance, with a focus on safeguarding the rights and identity of the people of J&K through the special status of the state, including preconditions for dialogue and reconciliation to ensure sustainable peace.” she added.

Mehbooba emphasized that the PDP was seen by the BJP as an obstacle to its plans in J&K. “Despite these challenges, we continued the fight for the rights, dignity, and identity of the people of J&K.”

While addressing the convention, senior leader and former Member Parliament Dr Mehboob Beg said that PDP has always advocated unity at all levels.

“We have always supported and propagated unity. But this must be reciprocated by one and all with utmost sincerity of purpose, else it can’t be at the cost of dignity and self-respect,” he said.

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