Mehbooba Mufti Warns that 'One Nation, One Election' Threatens India's Federal Framework
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Srinagar, Dec 14 (NationPress) The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, stated on Saturday that the concept of 'one nation, one election' could jeopardize the federal structure of India.
In a conversation with reporters, Mehbooba accused the NDA government at the center of gradually dismantling the Constitution of India.
“India operates as a federal nation, which is characterized by its federal structure. By advocating for 'one nation, one election', this structure is being compromised,” she remarked.
“The NDA government promotes the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, yet they are, in reality, regressing the country. They speak of 2047, but their actions are taking us backwards. Initially, after independence, there was 'one nation, one election', but subsequently, power was decentralized across regions, leading to the establishment of a federal structure. Their intention seems to revert us back to a dictatorial regime, which I strongly oppose,” Mehbooba added.
During a meeting with PDP delegates earlier that day, Mehbooba Mufti acknowledged that her party is experiencing a challenging period, assuring party members that the PDP was indeed formed to tackle such challenges.
She reflected on the coalition her father established with the BJP in 2014, aimed at safeguarding the regional integrity of Jammu and Kashmir.
“When I questioned my father about forming a coalition government with the BJP, Mufti Sahib explained to me that we held only 28 seats, while they had 26. To protect the regional integrity of the state, it was imperative to ally with the BJP,” the PDP chief elaborated.
She emphasized that the PDP’s choice to collaborate with the BJP was driven by the greater good of the people, while the current government is preoccupied with trivial administrative matters, continually reaching out to Delhi.
“We never approached the BJP; they came to us. It's essential to remember that our government was formed in partnership with the BJP led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” she stated.
“Vajpayeeji visited Pakistan, engaged with Hurriyat leaders, and played a key role in enhancing relations with neighboring countries,” she noted.
Mehbooba criticized the current Jammu and Kashmir government for its failure to tackle fundamental issues such as employment and electricity.
“They are focused on insignificant administrative concerns,” she alleged.
