Mehbooba opts out of J&K assembly polls

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti announced on Wednesday that she will not be participating in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. She expressed concerns about her ability to effectively implement her party’s agenda within the current political framework, even if she were to secure the position of chief minister.

Reflecting on her previous term, Mufti highlighted achievements such as the revocation of FIRs against 12,000 individuals in 2016, initiating dialogue with separatists, and securing a ceasefire.

“Can we do that now? If you cannot take back an FIR as chief minister, what does one do with such a post?” she questioned.

The PDP president was asked about her stance following a shift in position by National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, who had previously vowed not to participate in the polls until Jammu and Kashmir was restored to a full state. Abdullah is now among the 32 candidates announced by his party.

Mufti criticised the alliance between National Conference and Congress, suggesting that their collaborations have historically been driven by power rather than shared agendas. She recalled previous alliances with Congress and BJP, emphasising that PDP has consistently pursued its agenda.

On the potential release of jailed leaders like Lok Sabha MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid and separatist Shabir Ahmad Shah, Mufti welcomed the possibility and urged the government to consider releasing other individuals entitled to bail.

“You can put a person in jail, but you cannot imprison ideas,” she asserted.