Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti hinted on Friday that her party might opt to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls independently. This indication arose following the decision by the National Conference not to allocate any seats in the valley to the PDP.
Mufti expressed her disappointment over the dissolution of The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a democratic coalition that she believed should have continued. She emphasized that while the PDP remains aligned with the INDIA bloc, they would engage in discussions with Congress to chart their future course.
Regarding the decision by the National Conference to contest all seats in the valley without consultation, Mufti highlighted the need for collective efforts in the face of significant challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir. She lamented the lack of consultation and expressed readiness for sacrifice had there been prior discussions.
Both the PDP and the National Conference are affiliated with the INDIA bloc, with recent statements indicating divergent paths. While National Conference President Farooq Abdullah hinted at the potential rejoining of the NDA, his son and party vice-president reaffirmed their commitment to the INDIA bloc.
Responding to queries about the allocation of valley seats by the National Conference, Mufti underscored the importance of consultation and expressed a willingness to relinquish seats for the greater good if such discussions had taken place.
The PDP intends to deliberate on its strategy after consultations with Congress.
