SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency, Waheed-ur-Reham Parra, on Friday said that the party is contesting the Lok Sabha elections to “break the silence prevailing for the last couple of years” in Kashmir. He noted that the people are showing their love and affection towards the PDP, which gives them positive vibes.
Parra said that the ongoing Lok Sabha elections are more like a chance for the PDP to reach out to the people as they want to “break the silence” and show solidarity with the people.
Parra is among 37 candidates in the fray for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat. The last date for the nomination papers was Thursday.
“We are not campaigning like other parties, who are abusing and accusing each other. We are campaigning to become the voice of the people. We want to ensure that the voice of the people and Mehbooba Mufti Ji reaches the parliament,” he said, adding that the allegations being levelled against them, like calling them the C team of BJP and others, do not affect them anyway.
“We are trying our best to reach out to the people; however, there is a good and better response from the public as we are receiving love and affection from everywhere,” he added.
This election, Parra said, has been an opportunity for them to listen to the public.
Asked about the contest in Srinagar, the PDP leader said a tough fight is expected in the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, and they are trying to reach as many people as they can. “The decision is in the hands of the public; it will be too early to speak about who is going to win, but yes, there is a strong competition on the ground, and we are leaving the decision to the people, who will positively elect their voice,” he said.
Parra, being the youngest candidate, is focused on the youngsters. He said the youth have a future and are expecting votes this time from the areas where people used to boycott elections earlier. “We want the people to come out and vote for us in this election,” he said.
Asked about the toffee and milk statement made by the party president Mehbooba Mufti when she was the chief minister of the erstwhile JK State, Waheed said, “I think people are more concerned about what Mehbooba Ji is doing now. She had made the statement as a mother; the people have understood what she meant by making such a statement. At present, people are showing affection and love towards Mehbooba Ji,” he added—(KNO)
