Tahab: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) launched its election campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir with a vibrant road show stretching from South Kashmir’s Tahab Crossing Circular Road, Pulwama to Sangam, Anantnag on Tuesday with former CM Mehbooba Mufti stating that the BJP-led LG regime has converted Kashmir into an “open jail.”
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and party’s youth president Waheed-ur-Rehman Para led the rally, which drew hundreds of participants, predominantly comprised of youth and PDP supporters.
Addressing the media during the event, Mehbooba Mufti extended condolences to the families affected by the recent Batwara Srinagar boat capsizing incident.
Criticizing the current administration, she lamented the alleged transformation of the ‘union territory’ into an “open jail” under the BJP-led LG regime.
Mufti condemned the shooting of a tourist guide in Shopian, labeling it unfortunate. However, she contested the mass arrests of youth under Public Safety Act (PSA) charges, suggesting it was disproportionate to the incident.
Mehbooba Mufti’s stronghold in south Kashmir is pivotal for the PDP’s electoral prospects, having secured parliamentary victories in 2004 and 2014. South Kashmir’s allegiance to the PDP played a crucial role in the party’s ascent to power in the 2014 assembly elections.
The Anantnag constituency, emerging from the delimitation exercise, will go to polls on May 7, reflecting the evolving political dynamics in the region.
Political observers anticipate a fiercely contested electoral battle, with each party vying to consolidate its traditional support bases amidst shifting demographics and geopolitical changes due to delimitation.
(KNT)