Pulwama, Aug 21: Syed Bari Andrabi, a senior politician from south Kashmir’s Pulwama district and the current DDC Chairman, on Wednesday called upon political parties to be “judicious” and “politically correct” in their decision-making processes.
Andrabi, who is currently affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), expressed concern over the trend of political desertions across Jammu & Kashmir in recent days.
He said politicians who switch parties at the eleventh hour, particularly during election periods create a bad image. “Such actions tarnish the image of politics and create a chaotic environment,” he said, adding, “This situation can be checked to a great extent if political parties resolve mandate issues well in advance, at least a year before the announcement of elections.”
Bari acknowledged that politicians might have valid reasons for leaving their parties, but doing so immediately before elections gives a negative impression.
He said political desertions often result from more than just ideological differences and suggested that other factors play a role in these decisions.
“The current multi-party system in Jammu and Kashmir allows for such transitions, as the core agendas of major political parties in the region are largely similar. This similarity makes transitions between different parties comfortable as politicians do not need to propagate new ideas to the people,” he added.