Srinagar, Sep 27: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fractured her party by luring away 40 top leaders to form smaller factions, fearing they would impede its agenda.
Addressing a large rally in Palhallan Pattan in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Mufti also criticised the National Conference (NC), Mufti, saying the party mistakenly believes the PDP is now insignificant and can easily reclaim power.
“Since 1947, this party has done nothing for the people of Jammu & Kashmir except serving its own interests,” she said.
Mehbooba claimed that the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) was dismantled due to vested interests. She recalled the “rigged” 1987 elections that led to the imprisonment of leaders like Yasin Malik and Hizb commander Syed Salahuddin. This resulted in widespread violence that has devastated generations, she said, adding, “Graveyards fill every part of Kashmir.”
The former chief minister explained that the PAGD was meant to unite against common challenges but fell apart because the NC sought to regain control for its own benefit. “They betrayed us by making decisions without my consultation,” she said, accusing them of consistently letting down the people of Kashmir since 1947.
Mufti highlighted the PDP’s achievements since its formation in 1999, including the historic opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route and the repeal of POTA. “The PDP’s rule was a golden period for Kashmir, and I challenge Omar Abdullah to recall what he accomplished in 1999 while in the BJP Cabinet,” she asserted.
She accused the former CM and NC vice president Omar Abdullah of misleading people outside Kashmir, saying that during her tenure, the PDP revoked 12,000 FIRs against youth, many from Palhallan. “I facilitated dialogue between Hurriyat and New Delhi—something Omar lacks the courage to do,” she said.
Addressing the 2009 Shopian rape and murder case, Mehbooba alleged that Abdullah’s government destroyed evidence and imprisoned victims’ families while the accused remained free. “During my tenure, I dismissed two BJP leaders and ensured that eight were sentenced to life in the Kathua rape and murder case. How can Omar question my integrity?” she asked.
Mufti also acknowledged her previous alliance with the BJP, saying it was formed at their request to establish a government.
She appealed to the people of Palhallan not to fall for the NC’s trap, cautioning that retired officials hired by the party would not prioritise the people’s needs. “If you want development for the region, vote for progress,” she concluded.
