Mehbooba Mufti Releases PDP Poll Manifesto, Stresses Agenda-Based Alliances

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti unveiled her party’s manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of an agenda-based alliance over mere seat-sharing arrangements.

Addressing the press in Srinagar, Mufti criticized the recent alliance between the National Conference (NC) and Congress, asserting that it was formed solely on seat-sharing terms rather than a shared agenda. “If the NC and Congress are ready to adopt our agenda, they should contest all 90 seats. We will support them because addressing the Kashmir issue is our priority,” Mufti stated.

Mufti highlighted the PDP’s key agenda points, including the reopening of the Sharada Peeth pilgrimage route in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) and advocating for dialogue with Pakistan to restore cross-Line of Control trade. She also promised significant measures if elected, including providing 200 units of free electricity, implementing the old pension scheme, and ensuring free electricity for temples, mosques, and gurdwaras. Additionally, Mufti pledged an increase in the honorarium for contractual teachers and free legal aid for incarcerated individuals.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results expected on October 4. This will be the first Assembly election since Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganization into Union Territories in 2019.