J&K Assembly Elections 2024 PDP Manifesto Release: Mehbooba Mufti Says PDP Will Not Contest Elections If...

Peoples Democratic Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti made a significant announcement ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. During the release of her party's manifesto, she stated that if the National Conference (NC) and Congress accepted PDP's manifesto, her party would support their alliance without contesting any seats.

"If NC and Congress are ready to accept our manifesto and agree on a resolution of the Kashmir issue, we will support them without fighting on any seat," said Mehbooba Mufti. Her manifesto emphasises restoring trade between India and Pakistan across the Line of Control (LoC), a point also included in the NC's 12 guarantees.

Key Proposals in PDP Manifesto

The PDP manifesto includes several promises aimed at improving local conditions. These include open trade across LoC, free electricity up to 200 units for residents, free electricity for religious sites, abolishing water tax, and removing water meters. Additionally, Mufti promised to re-implement the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed scheme to ensure adequate rice and ration for poor families.

Mufti also pledged to provide 12 cylinders of cooking gas per year to poor families. She committed to doubling social security benefits like old age pensions and widow pensions. Another key promise is promoting Sharda Peeth as a full-fledged religious pilgrimage site across the LoC.

Commitment to Local Rights

The PDP manifesto also includes commitments to revoke AFSPA, re-establish the J&K Human Rights Commission, protect land and employment rights for locals, and impose a 100% import duty on apples to benefit local producers. These measures aim to address various socio-economic issues in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mufti highlighted that since the abrogation of Article 370, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has worsened. "We are releasing our manifesto today, and as usual since the beginning of PDP, it has started for a cause. We have always worked for resolution and reconciliation," she said.

Jammu And Kashmir Election Timeline

The three-phased elections are set to begin on September 18 and conclude on October 1. The results will be declared on October 4. For these elections, NC and Congress have formed a pre-poll alliance advocating for restoring trade across LoC.

Mufti stressed that while seat-sharing is currently a focus, resolving the Kashmir issue remains paramount. "After the abrogation of Article 370, the situation has worsened in Jammu Kashmir. At this time now the Kashmir issue has been brought down to seat sharing. But it's much bigger and it still remains," she added.

The PDP's comprehensive manifesto aims to address various local issues while advocating for broader regional stability through trade restoration with Pakistan.