Has NC Joined BJP's Narrative Despite Its Large Mandate?
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Synopsis
In light of the recent Assembly elections, Iltija Mufti raises concerns over the National Conference's alignment with the BJP's narrative on Jammu and Kashmir. She questions the ruling party's commitment to its mandate and urges a more humane perspective regarding women from Pakistan settled in Kashmir. Explore the implications of these statements in the evolving political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Iltija Mufti questions the National Conference's alignment with the BJP.
- The NC has been silent on significant issues like the Waqf Amendment Act.
- She calls for a humane perspective on women from Pakistan living in Kashmir.
- The PDP faced a setback in the recent elections, winning only three seats.
- Discussions on statehood for J&K continue amid political shifts.
Srinagar, May 6 (NationPress) Iltija Mufti, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and daughter of the former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has expressed her concern that the ruling National Conference (NC) should not have been given a significant mandate in the elections only to align themselves with the BJP's narrative regarding Jammu and Kashmir.
In her conversation with IANS, Iltija Mufti remarked, “I find it perplexing that despite receiving substantial support from the electorate in the Assembly elections, the ruling NC is merely adopting the discourse of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“They (NC) have begun advocating for the reinstatement of statehood for J&K, a demand also echoed by the BJP. During the Assembly session, the NC refrained from addressing the Waqf Amendment Act. The BJP endorsed this amendment, while the NC chose to remain silent,” Iltija Mufti asserted.
During the interview, she supported stringent actions by the Centre against Pakistan, yet emphasized the need for a 'humane' perspective regarding women from Pakistan who have settled in Kashmir for many years. “There are women married to locals and residing in the Valley for the past 30-40 years. How can they be expected to leave?” she questioned while speaking with IANS.
It is worth noting that Iltija Mufti contested the Legislative Assembly election in 2024 from the Bijbehara Assembly constituency but did not secure victory. Bijbehara is the hometown of the Mufti family and has traditionally been regarded as a PDP stronghold, which was challenged when Iltija Mufti lost to an NC candidate.
In the elections held last year after a decade, the PDP managed to win only three seats – in Pulwama, Tral, and Kupwara – in Kashmir.
The NC captured 42 seats, the BJP 29, the Congress six, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) 1, CPI(M) 1, Peoples Conference 1, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 1, and six Independents.
Five Independents later aligned with the NC, while the Congress, AAP, and CPI(M) provided external support to the government led by Omar Abdullah.
The 2024 Assembly elections occurred following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which resulted in the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories – J&K and Ladakh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured that statehood will be reinstated to J&K at ‘an appropriate time’.
Point of View
I maintain that the National Conference's alignment with the BJP's narrative raises important questions about political integrity and accountability. It is crucial for political parties to uphold their promises and represent the will of the people, especially in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir. The concerns raised by Iltija Mufti highlight the need for a balanced approach to governance, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iltija Mufti's stance on the National Conference's actions?
Iltija Mufti believes that the National Conference should not align itself with the BJP's narrative, despite having received a substantial mandate from the electorate.
What does Iltija Mufti propose regarding women from Pakistan in Kashmir?
She advocates for a humane approach towards women from Pakistan who have settled in Kashmir, questioning how they can be expected to leave after decades of living there.
What were the results of the recent Assembly elections?
In the recent Assembly elections, the NC won 42 seats, the BJP 29, and the PDP managed to secure only three seats in Kashmir.
How does Iltija Mufti view the demand for statehood for J&K?
She points out the contradiction in the NC advocating for statehood while also aligning with the BJP, which shares the same demand.
What historical context is relevant to the recent elections?
The elections were conducted after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which led to the division of the state into two Union Territories.
