Srinagar: Mehbooba Mufti, the President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has vowed to support the formation of any secular government in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining power in the region. This statement came amid growing political dynamics and the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the territory.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Mufti, addressing reporters in Jammu, reiterated her party’s commitment to fostering a secular governance structure in IIOJK. “There will be a secular government in J and K, and the PDP will play a crucial role in whatever government is formed here,” Mufti expressed. Her firm stance underscores a strategic political alignment aimed at curtailing BJP’s influence in the region.

Mufti also responded to inquiries about a potential alliance with the National Conference, another major political entity in the area. She emphasized that the primary objective of the PDP is to keep the BJP out of power, indicating a willingness to collaborate with other secular parties to form a government. “Our aim is to keep the BJP away from power. The PDP will support the formation of any secular government in Jammu and Kashmir to keep BJP away,” she stated, highlighting the party’s flexible approach towards coalition-building.

In addition to political maneuvers, Mufti criticized the central government’s handling of local issues under Modi’s administration. She raised concerns about significant challenges such as unemployment, mental health, and drug abuse prevalent in the territory. Furthermore, she criticized the government’s electricity policies and the practice of awarding contracts to non-local entities, which she argued neglect the rights and needs of the local population.

This firm political stance by Mehbooba Mufti and the PDP comes at a time when the region of Jammu and Kashmir continues to experience significant political and social turmoil, reflecting the complex interplay of local aspirations and national political strategies.