All PDP office-bearers resign
SRINAGAR: As all the office bearers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) submitted their resignations to party president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday, the PDP is going for a massive reshuffle within the party soon after its foundation day rally on July 28.
Political analysts say the move will allow Mehbooba to reconstitute party that is reeling under ‘dissidence’.
“The party will go for massive reshuffle at an organisationallevel and new people and some old leaders will be given responsibilities so that party will look more vibrant,’’ a senior PDP leader said.
On Monday, vice-president of the party, Sartaj Madni, who is also maternal uncle of the former chief minister, had submitted his resignation from his post. Later, all other office bearers also submitted their resignations.
The former CM is busy with legislators and others leaders trying to take out the party from the crisis that emerged after five to six legislators openly revolted and blamed her for ruining the party by turning it into a family fiefdom. The revolt was led by Imran Reza Ansari, legislator from north Kashmir’s Pattan.
Reacting over mass resignation, Reza on Tuesday tweeted: “Unfortunately Mehbooba Mufti made PDP go NC way by promoting family rule. She made a blatant statement by appointing kith and kin on important party posts. Resignations won’t undo the grave folly. Damage cant be undone!” He further said PDP President has admitted the fault— we have been pointing out. “Resignations of the @jkpdp office bearers vindicated our stand. But it is too late!”.
Sources in the party said old guard – Muzuffar Hussain Baig, Dilawar Mir, Abdul Rehman Veeri, Abdul Haq Khan and Altaf Bukhari will be given important positions in the new setup. “There is every likelihood that Baramulla MP and former deputy CM Muzuffar Baig could be nominated as patron or senior vice-president of the party.”
Leaders who used to stay in Srinagar will be asked to remain in their constituencies to establish fresh contact with their workers, sources said, adding that even Mehbooba could hold meetings with prominent party leaders from all parts of the state, especially in Kashmir.
“We have been asked to prepare ground for the elections and our workers are enthusiastic about the new assignments,’’ a PDP legislator said.
Though party has not closed its doors for the dissidents, however, party sources said no fresh efforts will be made to placate the rebels.
“Party will be taking several correctional steps based on the feedback of the legislators and senior leaders, who met party president in last two weeks, but, if rebel legislators will still keep on issuing statements against party then action could be initiated against them,’’ a senior PDP leader said.