Srinagar: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday announced its support to the ruling National Conference (NC) in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, emphasising the need to keep the “fascist forces” out of power.
Speaking at a press conference, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said, “We have decided to give support to the NC and vote for their candidates.”
The former chief minister added that the decision was driven by the imperative to keep the BJP away, PTI reported.
“The PDP, which holds three votes, will vote with the intent to block the BJP and back a party that opposes communal and fascist forces at any cost,” Mufti asserted.
She also criticised the NC for breaking the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a coalition of political parties seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
“When the PAGD was created, we aimed to provide collective leadership to J-K to fight the BJP’s onslaught, but the NC broke the alliance once they saw it did not serve their interests,” said Mufti.
PAGD was formed in October 2020, following the Centre’s abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Highlighting recent political dynamics, Mufti stated, “Today, as part of the India alliance, the NC has sidelined the Congress in the Rajya Sabha polls. They don’t deserve our trust or votes, but for the larger cause, we have decided to support the NC.”
The PDP chief revealed that the decision came after discussions with the party leadership and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) following a request from NC.
PDP to support NC to ‘keep BJP away’: Mehbooba
