PDP advocates for Mehbooba to contest Pulwama-Srinagar parliamentary seat

SRINAGAR — As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir heats up ahead of parliamentary elections, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly pushing for Mehbooba Mufti to contest the Pulwama-Srinagar parliamentary seat, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Amidst escalating tensions within the political sphere, particularly regarding the fate of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), the PDP’s move to nominate Mufti for the crucial parliamentary seat signifies a bold assertion of its position within the coalition.

In a bid to dismantle the PAGD and sideline the PDP, the National Conference has adamantly opposed any potential seat-sharing agreement with its coalition partner, intensifying the rift between the two parties.

Recent reports suggest that PDP activists hailing from Pulwama, Shopian, Ganderbal, and Srinagar have rallied behind the party president, urging her to lead the charge in the parliamentary elections and amplify their voices on the national stage.

A leader within the PDP, speaking to the news agency KDC, emphasized the party’s substantial support base in Pulwama and Shopian, underscoring the strategic significance of contesting the Pulwama-Srinagar seat. “Given our strong foothold in Pulwama and Shopian, securing victory in this constituency could prove decisive for the party,” the leader remarked.

The PDP appears to be actively pursuing this strategy, leveraging its grassroots support and regional influence to bolster its electoral prospects amidst mounting challenges and political discord.