Mehbooba Mufti Calls for Dialogue with Hurriyat Leaders in Jammu and Kashmir
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti emphasized the party’s agenda of reconciliation and dialogue with Hurriyat leaders. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Mufti said that the Hurriyat leaders are not ‘untouchables’ and expressed readiness for dialogue if they want to be ‘part of the process.’
‘The agenda of the PDP is reconciliation and dialogue. The Hurriyat is not from China or Pakistan. LK Advani spoke to them when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the PM. They are not untouchables. Our agenda is to solve the Kashmir issue, and the process of dialogue and reconciliation is necessary for it. We want to find a solution within the Constitution, and if the Hurriyat also wants to be a part of the process, then it is appreciated,’ the PDP chief said.
‘PDP does not fight elections of the chair. Our party fights for the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir and not just power,’ she added.
Mufti also criticized the BJP, accusing the party of manipulating election dates to its advantage. ‘You remember that in my constituency also, when I contested the election, they changed the date for no reason. They have their own calculations of BJP and according to that, they decide the date of the election,’ Mufti claimed.
However, Mufti expressed confidence in the election process for the upcoming Assembly elections. ‘I am happy that all the officers are local here. I hope that all the staff, whoever is associated with the election process, will play their role in conducting a free and fair election,’ she said.
Earlier in the day, several leaders and workers joined PDP at the party headquarters in Srinagar. Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. It is the first assembly poll since the abrogation of Article 370.
Doubts Revealed
Mehbooba Mufti -: Mehbooba Mufti is a politician from Jammu and Kashmir, a region in India. She has served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Hurriyat leaders -: Hurriyat leaders are part of a group in Jammu and Kashmir that wants more autonomy or independence for the region. They often talk about the rights and future of the people living there.
PDP -: PDP stands for People’s Democratic Party. It is a political party in Jammu and Kashmir, and Mehbooba Mufti is its chief.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
Assembly elections -: Assembly elections are when people vote to choose their representatives in the state government. These elections decide who will make laws and decisions for the state.
Three phases -: Three phases mean that the elections will happen on three different days. This helps manage the voting process better and ensures everyone gets a chance to vote.
Vote counting -: Vote counting is when officials count all the votes to see who won the election. It will happen on October 8 for these elections.
