Mehbooba Mufti

Mehbooba Mufti Takes a Hit: Can the PDP Bounce Back?

After a disappointing assembly election, Mehbooba Mufti warns the Centre to steer clear of J&K's affairs! What next for the PDP?

The recent assembly election results in Jammu and Kashmir have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, and Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister and leader of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), is not holding back. With her party's performance hitting the lowest low—only managing to clinch three seats compared to 28 in 2014—Mufti took a strong stance, congratulating the National Conference on their victory while cautioning the Centre against meddling in state affairs. It seems like the PDP has taken a serious hit, and the question on everyone’s lips is whether they can recover from this setback.

Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba's daughter, contested in her inaugural election from the Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat but unfortunately faced defeat against National Conference's Bashir Ahmad Shah. At just 37 years old, this election was viewed as a major opportunity for Iltija to make her mark in local politics. Her loss adds to the already challenging narrative for the PDP as they not only witnessed a significant electoral decline but also a public sentiment shift in their favor. Will she bounce back stronger, or is the young politician facing an uphill battle in the turbulent waters of J&K politics?

In a bold jab at the Centre post-elections, Mehbooba addressed concerns over horse-trading, suggesting that there are attempts to destabilize the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. As the Congress-NC alliance dominated the polls, claiming a majority with 49 seats, Mufti's fears could be seen as a desperate cry for attention from a party that once held the reins of power. The transformation of Jammu and Kashmir’s political narrative continues to evolve, with Mehbooba Mufti at the forefront, navigating through the turbulence.

The political future of Mehbooba Mufti and the PDP now hangs in the balance. They must decide whether to regroup and revamp their strategies or risk fading into obscurity. Interestingly, Mehbooba Mufti, known for her articulate speeches and strong presence, once held the title of the first woman Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in 2016. Meanwhile, Iltija Mufti, with her adeptness on social media, has drawn both admiration and scrutiny, making her one to watch in the coming years. Will these setbacks pave the way for a reinvention or will they remain a mere footnote in the annals of Jammu and Kashmir politics?