SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday claimed that except for her party, all political parties, including the National Conference (NC) and Congress, are being backed by powerful figures.
Speaking to the media, Mehbooba said, “I want to inform the people of Kashmir that except for PDP, all other political parties including NC, Congress, AIP, and independent candidates are being supported and funded by big political powers.”
Referring specifically to the Awami Ittihad Party (AIP), she said, “Although Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rashid is in jail, I wonder who is behind and supporting the AIP financially.”
She also expressed concern over an incident involving a PDP worker, saying, “Yesterday, a PDP worker was ruthlessly beaten by some AIP goons, and no action has been taken. Had it been a PDP worker responsible for such an incident, all party members would have been sent to jail.”
Mehbooba further criticised the government’s alleged support for AIP. “If the government is making AIP a proxy party and offering them financial and other support, they should inform us directly so we can plan accordingly.”
She urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to fall for proxy political parties, claiming that a powerful force is backing them with the aim of dividing votes, particularly targeting the PDP. “They know the PDP has been standing with those who have been jailed over the past five years,” she added. —(KNO)
