SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday filed her nomination papers from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.
In her election declaration, the former Chief Minister disclosed a significant decrease in her taxable income, plummeting by nearly 90 per cent from Rs 8,63,928 in FY 2018-19 to just Rs 84,750 in FY 2019-20, when article 370 was revoked.
However, her income subsequently rebounded, reaching Rs 19,98,520 in FY 2020-21, Rs 12,44,620 in FY 2021-22, and Rs 9,85,250 in FY 2022-23.
She has also disclosed that she holds movable assets worth Rs 40,69,867 and immovable assets worth Rs 35 lakh, Economic Times reported.
Addressing the media after submitting the papers, the former chief minister urged people not to abstain from participating in the electoral process. Mehbooba emphasised the importance of the electorate exercising their voting rights to thwart the BJP.
“I appeal to all the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to abstain from voting. There are efforts to promote boycotts, especially in South Kashmir. We must uncover these plots. Vote for the candidate you believe will champion the cause of the oppressed.”
The PDP leader underscored that this Lok Sabha election is not merely about developmental issues like electricity, water, and roads. Rather, it is about confronting the assault on the dignity, identity, property, and resources of the region since 2019.
“I appeal to all people of Jammu and Kashmir that they should not boycott the elections. In south Kashmir, they are trying to enforce a boycott. Their conspiracies should be exposed. Vote for the candidate that you feel will raise the voice for oppressed people and for those who have been jailed,” she stated.
Additionally, during her speech, Mehbooba made a special appeal, requesting financial assistance. She encouraged people to step forward and back the party. “Help me with whatever you can – Rs 100, Rs 200. When I contested the Parliament elections in 2019, I had 50 lakhs in my account; today I have only Rs 22 lakh.”
The elections for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled for the third phase on May 7.
