Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 16: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former Minister, Naeem Akhtar, today said that Jammu and Kashmir was the first victim of delimitation, accusing BJP of discrimination against minorities and manipulating electoral boundaries for political gain.
Speaking on the sidelines of a function in Bandipora, Akhtar said minorities are not asking for special treatment but only equal rights.
The PDP leader alleged that discrimination on religious grounds is increasing, particularly against minorities. “We only want that discrimination should stop,” he said.
Akhtar also accused the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of promoting politics based on “hatred”, saying such an approach undermines equality in a democratic system.
He said the delimitation exercise has unfairly affected Kashmir. He alleged that some constituencies in Jammu have far fewer voters compared to more densely populated areas in Kashmir, changing the political balance. “Kashmir has become the biggest victim,” he said, adding that the move appears aimed at strengthening the BJP’s position.
Akhtar also questioned the timing of the exercise, saying delimitation was expected after the 2026 census but was carried out earlier. He said opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, and leaders from southern states have raised concerns. At the same time, he welcomed the reservation of seats for women, calling it a positive step that should have been introduced earlier.
He also highlighted an outreach programme led by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, aimed at engaging with people, especially young people, to understand their concerns. “We usually speak, but now we are trying to listen,” he said.
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