In Srinagar, three deserted NC – PDP leaders formally join Sajad Lone’s Peoples Conference
The trio joined the party in presence of party chief Sajad Lone, Imran Raza Ansari, Abdul Wakil and others.
Two former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and one National Conference leader have joined the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) in Srinagar, giving the party a big boost.
Basharat Bukhari, Peer Mansoor, and Khursheed Aalam joined the People’s Conference chaired by Sajad Gani Lone at the JKPC Chairman’s government residence in Srinagar.
The trio joined the party in presence of party chief Sajad Lone, Imran Raza Ansari, Abdul Wakil and others.
During the press conference called for the announcement of these leaders joining the JKPC, Sajad said that he warmly welcomes all three senior political figures into the party fold and that he is hopeful that the trio’s vast political background will help the party represent its constituents better.
“I welcome three top political leaders into the PC, which is a caravan of change,” Sajad said, adding, “The trio, who have loads of political experience, will play a pivotal role in making the PC more vibrant across J&K.”
In response to a question regarding the restoration of Article 370, Sajad claimed that he does not believe in deception and chooses to speak freely. “Let me tell you straight: there are only two options to reclaim Article 370: the judiciary or the legislature. We were the first to file a Supreme Court challenge to the ruling. That seems to be a long battle. We can’t even hope to get it back after that.”
“On the other hand, we must communicate with the people of India by avoiding all miscommunication bottlenecks. We ought to consult with the opposition, government leaders, and civil society,” the PC chairman said.
He added, “There is an opportunity. The goal is demanding, but not impossible.”
Pertinently, Peer Mansoor, former MLA from Shangus, had resigned from the PDP in February this year. Similarly, Khursheed Aalam had bid goodbye to PDP, citing controversies within the party agenda earlier this month.
Moreover, Basharat Bukhari had also parted his ways from the National Conference earlier this month.
It is worthwhile to mention that a few days ago, former deputy chief minister of erstwhile J&K State and the senior most PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Beigh also joined the PC.
While National Conference has not reacted publicly to the exit of its leaders from the party fold, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti claims that PDP has become the voice of pain as the party is pursuing a ‘big’ cause. “So, I believe, they (GoI) can go to any extent to finish my party,” she said in an interview with a local news agency.
Mehbooba Mufti added, “They (leaders) are being lured. Perhaps they have forgotten the conviction for which the PDP stands. Or I believe, they see greener pastures on the other side. It’s worrisome, but I have a bigger cause in front of me than the leaders’ exit from the party.”
“They (GoI) have snatched everything from us—the special status, the State, sand, contracts, jobs, land and all resources. Other parties are changing the narrative by demanding Statehood and not Article 370. PDP will resist,” Mehbooba maintains.
