Mehbooba Mufti Enters Anantnag-Rajouri Race: PDP's Electoral Strategy Unveiled

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has unveiled its lineup for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, marking a significant move in Kashmir's political landscape. Former chief minister and PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, is set to contest from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, as announced by senior PDP leader and former minister Sartaj Madni in a press conference held in Srinagar.

Accompanying Mufti in the electoral fray are party stalwarts Waheed Para, who will contest from Srinagar-Pulwama, and Fayaz Mir, making a comeback to the PDP, who will stand as a candidate from the Baramulla constituency.

In the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, Mufti will be facing off against tough contenders including Mian Altaf from the National Conference and Ghulam Nabi Azad from the Democratic Azad Party (DPAP). Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other regional players are yet to announce their candidates for this crucial seat.

Similarly, in the Baramulla constituency, Fayaz Mir will contend against prominent figures like Sajad Lone from the People’s Conference and the incarcerated AIP chief Engineer Rasheed. However, the National Conference, the BJP, and other regional parties are yet to reveal their contenders for this seat as well.

The decision of the PDP to contest from all three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir comes amid recent speculations suggesting otherwise, sparked by remarks made by NC vice president Omar Abdullah. Abdullah hinted at a possible understanding between the NC and the PDP in Kashmir, which was swiftly rebutted by Mehbooba Mufti, expressing disappointment at the NC's stance and emphasizing the autonomy of her party's decisions.

The entry of the PDP into the electoral battleground has undoubtedly intensified the competition, particularly in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, traditionally considered a stronghold of the party. Additionally, the PDP enjoys considerable support among the tribal communities of Rajouri and Poonch, notably the Gujjars.

However, observers are wary of the potential vote division between the NC and the PDP in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, which might play to the advantage of the BJP, particularly given its focus on garnering support from the Pahari community of Rajouri-Poonch, recently granted Schedule Tribe (ST) status by the Central government.

As the electoral drama unfolds, all eyes are now on the PDP's nomination for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. Despite being part of the INDIA alliance, the PDP's decision to contest from this seat has disrupted the alliance dynamics, particularly concerning seat-sharing agreements with the NC. Nevertheless, both the NC and the PDP remain supportive of the Congress in select constituencies, signaling complex political maneuvers in the region.