As the early trends from the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections unfold, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with a challenging scenario, with the National Conference-Congress alliance seemingly on track to form the next government. Despite the party’s efforts, it appears that the PDP has struggled to maintain its traditional support in its stronghold of south Kashmir.
Iltija Mufti, a prominent PDP leader contesting from Srigufwara-Bijbehara, acknowledged the electoral outcome, stating, “I accept the verdict of the people. The love & affection I received from everyone in Bijbehara will always stay with me. Gratitude to my PDP workers who worked so hard throughout this campaign.”
While PDP’s youth president Waheed Parra is reportedly leading in the Pulwama assembly segment, the overall performance suggests a significant shift away from the party’s previous stronghold. Iltija Mufti is currently trailing behind National Conference’s Bashir Ahmad Veeri in the Bijbehara assembly segment, raising concerns about the party’s ability to secure critical seats.
Omar Abdullah, the former chief minister and National Conference vice-president, is leading in both Budgam and Ganderbal seats, which may further complicate the PDP’s prospects in the region. The trends indicate that the PDP is at risk of losing its foothold, especially as the National Conference appears to be sweeping Srinagar city, leading in seven of the eight assembly seats there.
With the need for 46 seats to form the government in the 90-seat assembly, the PDP faces an uphill battle as it navigates this electoral landscape. The emerging situation has sparked discussions about the future trajectory of the party and its ability to reclaim its position in Jammu and Kashmir politics amidst rising competition from other parties.
In the Bijbehara-Srigufwara constituency of south Kashmir, a high-stakes election battle is unfolding between Iltija Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri) of the National Conference (NC). The contest is particularly significant, as it pits Iltija’s efforts to leverage her family’s influence against Shah’s political experience.
The history of this constituency adds layers of complexity to the current race. In the 2014 Assembly elections, Abdul Rehman Bhat of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) secured the seat, defeating Bashir Ahmad Shah by a margin of just 2,868 votes.