Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), announced on Sunday that she will not participate in Assembly elections until Article 370 is reinstated in J&K. Mufti expressed her skepticism about the possibility of early Assembly elections. She also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly “hijacking” the G-20 event and replacing its logo with the lotus symbol, which is associated with the BJP. Mufti suggested that instead of focusing on the G-20, India should prioritize holding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit to establish regional leadership.
Mufti highlighted the need for vigilance in light of recent events in Delhi, describing it as a wake-up call for the entire country. She expressed concerns about the disempowerment of the Delhi government through an ordinance granting overriding powers to the Lieutenant Governor. Mufti warned that similar actions could occur elsewhere in the country, claiming that the BJP aims to eliminate opposition voices and disempower state governments.
Emphasizing the responsibility of the Congress party for preserving the idea of India, Mufti praised the recent election results in Karnataka, where the BJP was voted out despite its alleged use of religious politics. She attributed Congress’s victory to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, which she believed laid the foundation for success in the Karnataka Assembly elections.
Mufti commended the upcoming G-20 tourism working group meeting in Kashmir, stating that it would be the first international event held in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. She expressed hope that the meeting would contribute to healing the wounds of the past and promote tourism in the region.
Overall, Mufti’s statements reflect her stance on Article 370, her criticisms of the BJP’s actions, and her perspectives on national and regional politics.
