Mehbooba Mufti Urges Voter Unity in IIOJK Amid Pre-Poll Rigging by BJP

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has urged voters in Indian-illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to stay united and avoid splitting their votes in the upcoming assembly elections.

Addressing reporters in Shopian, Mufti voiced concerns over recent developments she believes could affect the election results. She pointed to the recent release of Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief Engineer Rashid, questioning the timing of his release. Mufti suggested that it might be a strategic move to divide the vote.

Mufti welcomed Rashid’s release but argued it would have been more advantageous if it had occurred earlier, allowing him to participate in Parliamentary elections. She stressed that maintaining voter unity is essential to counter the BJP’s threats to Kashmir’s identity, land, and employment prospects.

Moreover, Mufti raised doubts about the financial resources behind the AIP’s campaign. She implied that their ability to organize extensive rallies and field numerous candidates might indicate significant external support.

Regarding Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent promise to create five lakh jobs if the BJP wins in Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti was dismissive. She criticized the promise as yet another false assurance, pointing out the BJP’s track record of unmet job creation promises.

Mufti highlighted that the BJP had previously pledged to generate two crore jobs annually but has failed to meet even half of that target in the past decade. This history of broken promises, she argues, makes Shah’s new job guarantee claim highly questionable.