Ganderbal, Sept 21: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Saturday said she was the first to speak out against the abrogation of Article 370 when it was removed on August 5, 2019, and accused other political figures of remaining silent at the time.
Speaking at a roadshow while campaigning for the party’s candidate, Sayeed Jamaat Ali Shah in the Kangan Assembly constituency, Iltija said her stance on the issue resonated with the people, which is why her actions now connect with them.
During her address in Chatergull, Kangan, she criticised those who are now vocal against the decision but did not raise their voices earlier. “At the time of the abrogation, no one was speaking up, and only I stood up against it. People understood this, and that’s why I’m doing the right thing to reach people’s hearts,” she said.
Highlighting the developmental works carried out by her grandfather, late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Iltija mentioned the establishment of the mini-secretariat, fisheries, colleges and the regularisation of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, alongside the construction of roads and bridges during his tenure as chief minister. “The National Conference despite being in power for 50 to 60 years failed to deliver on their promises to the people of Ganderbal,” she said.
Mufti expressed confidence that the people of Ganderbal will support the PDP in the upcoming elections. “In 2002, the wave of change began from Ganderbal, and this time too, the people will choose PDP,” she added.
When asked about a viral video circulating on social media where she said “Zoon Ho” instead of “Zyoon Ho”, the PDP leader responded humorously, “Whether it’s ‘Zoon’ or ‘Zyoon,’ the victory will be ours.”
