Srinagar Dec 8, KDC: A former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Sangrama in north Kashmir has been applying pressure on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for his return by strategically disseminating ‘fake’ news on social media and some friends in TV channels that he is getting offers from the National Conference to join the party.
The abrupt expulsion from the People’s Conference has dealt a severe blow to the political leader’s reputation, leaving him disheartened as his little electoral base further dwindles.
Despite the backing of former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig and Imran Raza Ansari, both possessing substantial voter support in the Sangrama constituency, the former MLA only managed to secure victory in two assembly elections by a narrow margin of a few hundred votes.
Now shunned by the NC, PDP, and PC, he is afraid to go solo despite projecting an inflated image among his remaining supporters, mainly comprised of civil contractors.
A PDP leader made it clear, stating, “He is a thing of the past. We have conveyed to the PDP that he is not welcome among us.”
The PDP, actively seeking prominent political figures for an assertive election campaign, has unequivocally rejected the former MLA from the erstwhile Sangrama constituency.
Post the exodus of leaders since August 5, 2019, the PDP finds itself with limited key figures, primarily including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Abdul Rehman Veeri, and G. N. Hanjura. A PDP leader admitted, “In essence, we only have Mehbooba ji spearheading the political campaign.”
Acknowledging their predicament, PDP leaders confessed to facing embarrassment in interactions with other political parties due to the absence of influential political figures.
A senior PDP leader disclosed, “Many former PDP members express a desire to return to the party. We are contemplating the return of a few leaders in north Kashmir. However, there is no room for the MLA from the erstwhile Sangrama constituency.”
A senior National Conference leader, citing former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, emphasized the party’s stance against turncoats. “Those unable to secure victories in District Development Council (DDC) elections should refrain from falsely claiming significance in parliamentary elections, where the electoral constituency is larger,” he said, quoting NC vice president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah.
The leader added, “We can only deny so many times the news planted by Facebook journalists on social media pages. Omar sahab has explicitly stated that there is no place for turncoats and those who ran an anti-NC campaign in the party.”
The National Conference leader clarified the party’s position, stating, “We have no intention of rescuing his sinking ship. He needs to figure it out on his own.”
Another senior political leader of the NC said, “I can confirm that he has been begging Omar Sahab for past six months to reply to his Whatsapp messages.”
A senior PDP leader said, “I would advise him to take a moment of respite, step back, and avoid further political missteps in his hurried pursuit of joining a political party. His actions are revealing vulnerabilities, and a genuine political leader is recognized for their public support. It’s important not to coerce entry into a political party; rather, recognition should come organically.” (KDC)
