NC-PDP Discord: Mehbooba keeps ‘Plan B’ alive

Tarigami in constant touch with both parties to end conflict

Srinagar, Mar 14: As the National Conference (NC) has shown reluctance to enter into a pre-poll bonhomie in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the parliamentary elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been waiting for the INDI alliance’s decision regarding the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat.
NC Vice President Omar Abdullah has made it clear that the party will field its candidates from all three seats in Kashmir, while Congress and PDP are still holding discussions, as former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is reluctant to give up the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.

When contacted, PDP spokesman Najam-us-Saqib said that the talks are still ongoing. “We have not made any decision yet, as the discussions are still underway,” he said.
Saqib further added that the talks would conclude soon, and a decision in this regard is expected to be made public by next week.
However, reliable sources informed Morning Kashmir that if Plan A (pre-poll alliance) fails, the PDP has already identified the leaders who will be contesting on the party’s ticket from the three seats in Kashmir.
“In the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, party president Mehbooba Mufti will be a candidate, while Waheed Parra and Fayaz Mir will be contesting on the party ticket from the Srinagar parliamentary constituency and the north Kashmir seat respectively,” the sources said.
While the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) seems to have fractured ahead of the elections, leaders who are part of the conglomerate are still trying to find means and ways to end the conflict between the two allies.
It has been learned that the conglomerate spokesman, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, is in constant touch with both parties to come up with a favourable decision that suits the aspirations of the people.
“We are presently in touch with both parties. I cannot say what the outcome will be, but yes, the talks are ongoing,” Tarigami said.