Mehbooba Mufti to Contest from Anantnag-Rajouri Seat, Setting Stage for High-Stakes Battle in J&K
GG News Bureau
Srinagar, 8th April. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has announced her candidacy for the Lok Sabha polls from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, setting the stage for a highly anticipated contest in Jammu and Kashmir. Mufti’s decision to enter the electoral fray pits her against DPAP president Ghulam Nabi Azad, making this newly carved-out constituency the focal point of political attention in the region for the upcoming elections.
The National Conference has nominated influential Gujjar leader Mian Altaf Ahmad as its candidate for the seat, while the Apni Party has fielded Zaffar Iqbal Manhas. The BJP, however, has yet to announce its candidate.
Sartaj Madni, Chief of the PDP Parliamentary Board, unveiled the party’s candidates for three Kashmir seats during a press conference on Sunday. Alongside Mufti’s candidacy for Anantnag-Rajouri, the party’s youth wing president Waheed Parra will contest from Srinagar, and former Rajya Sabha member Mir Fayaz has been nominated for Baramulla. Mufti also announced the PDP’s decision to support the Congress on two Jammu region seats of Udhampur and Jammu, emphasizing the larger goal of safeguarding the Constitution and democracy.
Responding to queries regarding potential reciprocation from the Congress in Kashmir, Mufti clarified that the PDP’s support was not contingent on a quid pro quo arrangement. She urged workers from both Congress and NC to rally behind her candidacy to amplify the voice of Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament.
Mufti highlighted the critical juncture the region finds itself in, lamenting the stifling of dissent and expression under current circumstances. She expressed dismay over the lack of consultation from the NC regarding electoral alliances, leaving the decision in Farooq Abdullah’s hands.
Regarding her party’s manifesto, Mufti affirmed its commitment to representing genuine voices and grievances in Delhi. She accused the central government of deploying significant resources against her in South Kashmir but remained undeterred in confronting the challenge.
On the Congress’s manifesto, Mufti commended its pragmatic approach, contrasting it with past electoral promises. She ruled out campaigning beyond Jammu and Kashmir, citing the need to focus on strengthening the alliance within the region.
Mufti’s candidacy marks her fourth entry into Lok Sabha elections, underscoring her enduring political presence despite past electoral defeats and shifting political dynamics in the region.
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