Mehbooba meets party leaders to discuss plan

JAMMU: Facing a turbulent phase after several prominent leaders and former legislators parted ways with the party since June, president of the ‘beleaguered’ People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti met party leaders, office bearers and prospective candidates from each assembly segment of erstwhile Doda region here on Tuesday.

The region comprises of three districts- Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar with five assembly constituencies.

“The party president met all the party leaders, office bearers and prospective candidates from each assembly segment of the district. On Wednesday, she is scheduled to meet the same from Rajouri and Poonch districts,” a senior party leader said.

He also informed that the president will be meeting leaders from Jammu and Udhampur. “The meetings are part of the strategy being chalked out for the ensuing assembly elections next year,” he said, adding that the former CM will also hold meeting with party leaders from Kathua, Samba and Reasi on December 27.

Meanwhile, the party is also planning a mass contact programme ahead of the polls following a series of defections from the party. Following unceremonious exit from the corridors of power in June this year, PDP has been deserted by prominent leaders and former legislators.

The event will be launched on the third death anniversary of the PDP’S founder and former CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, on January 7.