Mehbooba reaches out to people with Srinagar rally
SRINAGAR: : In the first rally after the fall of her government, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and its president Mehbooba Mufti managed an impressive show on its 19th foundation day on Saturday despite being out of power.
During the rally at Sheri Kashmir Park in Srinagar, the party leaders allay anger of people of its constituency for partnering with BJP. The aim was to send a signal to New Delhi and rebels that PDP is still strong on ground. The presence of Baramulla MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig was a booster for the workers of north Kashmir from where the rebellion started.
Mehbooba talked about her reluctance to form government with BJP after her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s death. “That time our workers and senior leaders had said it was Mufti sahib’s decision and I will have to drink that cup of poison and carry this bowl of fire on head. If I don’t take this step, it will disrespect Mufti sahib’s decision,” she said.
As her party leaders talked about people being angry for the ‘party’s mistakes’, she talked about becoming victim of ‘halaat’ (situation) and not doing enough for people. “On one hand we were fighting with the situation in Kashmir and on the other, we had to rush to Delhi for talks, Pakistan, Article 35 A and then the unfortunate Rasana (rape and murder of a tribal girl),” she said.
Seven legislators of the party including five MLAS, who have publicly revolted against her and accused her of “promoting dynastic politics”, were absent but the party’s founding members and MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig was present. Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina said Mehbooba did not face any difficulties while in coalition with the BJP. “Whenever PM came here, she praised him or there was any problem, Rajnath Singh came here. Following the chaos after Burhan Wani’s death, the Centre had supported her. Now, if she is saying anything, it may be her political compulsion,” Raina said.