Pulwama, Mar 21: The youth president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Waheed ur Rehman Para, revealed on Thursday that their party president Mehbooba Mufti was willing to offer all three parliamentary seats falling in the Kashmir division to the National Conference (NC) had they approached her before making alleged arrogant remarks about their party.
Para made these remarks while speaking to the media persons on the sidelines of a party workers’ convention held in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. He criticised the NC vice president Omar Abdullah for his “arrogant” remarks claiming that PDP doesn’t exist on the ground and lacks a voter base in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Participating in elections amidst a boycott doesn’t validate the NC as the leading political force and does not negate the existence of the PDP,” he said.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir closely monitor statements made by political leaders and suggested that they would respond appropriately to Omar Abdullah’s remarks,” he said.
Para drew parallels to the 2002 elections when NC believed they were the sole choice but were proven wrong by the voters. “A similar situation exists now, with the largest political party in Jammu and Kashmir assuming they are the only contenders and disregarding the voters’ choices,” he said.
Waheed criticised the NC leaders for not seeking votes from the people and instead believing that they are doing a favour to the electorate.
Responding to Omar’s reluctance to share the Anantnag seat with the PDP, Para condemned what he perceived as arrogance, pride and hubris in the NC leader’s speech. “People would respond appropriately,” he said.
Para said the PDP has always been in favour of the alliance and wished to remain united for the betterment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also accused NC MPs of failing to address people’s grievances at the appropriate forums.
