Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 9: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today stated that aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2014 was not a mistake, but a move to protect the interests of J&K and safeguard the people of both regions.
Replying to questions from the media after a brief interaction, newly elected PDP Vice President Sartaj Madani said that the alliance with BJP was a decision made by Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to protect J&K.
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“What happened in 2014 was not a mistake. Mufti Sayeed wanted to keep Jammu and Kashmir together. His decision was right as he wanted to safeguard J&K; while he was there, he did not let them touch Article 370; there was a need to include the people of Jammu,” he said.
On the restoration of statehood, Madani said that it has been promised by the Prime Minister as well as the Home Minister, stressing: “What is the need even to ask for it? It will come because it has been promised.”
He added that for PDP, the restoration of Statehood for J&K is a small issue, noting that the bigger issue remains what was “snatched” on August 5, 2019.
“PM has promised Statehood, but we will fight for the restoration of the identity that was taken away from us. The real issue is something else. For us, Statehood is a small thing; we have a wider issue in view,” he said.
The PDP leader highlighted that the party and leaders like Mehbooba are the only ones who speak up for Kashmiris, “but I do not know why people voted for the other side.”
He said that the PDP, in opposition, will work to hold the Government accountable for what they have promised to the people. At the same time, he said: “They have been given a mandate by the people; people must ask them.”
PDP Vice-President also stated that the BJP has nothing to show or deliver, and to cover that, “they are aiming at diversion based on the politics of hatred across the country.”
On the occasion, the party welcomed its newly appointed Vice President and Chairman of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) Abdul Rehman Veeri at the party headquarters.
The event saw a gathering of senior leaders, district presidents, and senior colleagues who felicitated the leadership for their new responsibilities.
Senior party leader Khurshid Alam, while extending his congratulations and delivering the vote of thanks, lauded the farsightedness and decisiveness of PDP President Mehbooba Mufti for her strategic choices.
He expressed optimism that this leadership decision would prove transformative for the party in the long run.
Highlighting Sartaj Madani’s capacity and vast experience, Alam stated that his appointment would mark the beginning of a new era for the party, fortifying its foundation and vision.
The meeting also saw speeches from senior leaders including Basharat Bukhari, Abdul Rehman Veeri, Asiea Naqash, Abdul Qayoom Bhatt, Mohammad Yaseen, Arif Laigaroo, and Bashir Ahmad Baig.
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