More leaders hint at quitting PDP

SRINAGAR : There seems to be no end to the turmoil within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as after the exit of five former legislators, including three ministers, several others party leaders are weighing their options of leaving the party if their demands are not met.

On Wednesday, after the exit of former minister and legislator Bashaarat Bukhari, at least three to four former legislators and ministers have dropped hints they could be on their way out from the party in case things are not settled within party.

Sources in the PDP told Hindustan Times that four to five former legislators and ministers have expressed their resentment over some issues within the party. Though nobody has openly expressed willingness to leave the party, some former legislators and ministers are said to have openly expressed their resentment towards some leaders who are considered close to the former chief minister, during a meeting called by Mehbooba Mufti at her Fairview residence at Gupkar on December 10.

“Some former ministers and legislators told Mehbooba that their views are never taken into consideration whenever the party takes some political or party-related decisions,” said a senior leader, who was part of the said meeting. The leader added, “Many criticised former minister Naem Akthar for creating a mess in the party. Former finance minister Altaf Bukhari and party’s chief spokesman Rafi Ahmad Mir

told the party president that views of some people carry more weight than theirs.’’

Sources, however, said that it was the speech of Mehbooba Mufti in that meeting in which she praised the role of former roads and buildings minister, Naem Akthar which left many leaders annoyed. “Mehbooba Mufti told the legislators and ministers that when she was going through a tough time, it was only Akthar who defended her and the government, while the other leaders and ministers preferred to remain silent,’’ said a senior PDP leader.