PDP: Mehbooba Mufti has lost people’s trust, says former PDP leader

Peoples Democratic Occasion (PDP) veteran Surinder Choudhary, who was the celebration’s state normal secretary until final yr, made information this week by becoming a member of the BJP and calling PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti two-faced. The previous MLC was credited with making the PDP win Hindu-dominated Nowshera seat in district improvement council (DDC) polls and was thought of the PDP’s Hindu face in Jammu. In an interview with Prerna Katiyar, Choudhary mentioned Mufti says one factor when she is in energy and one other when she shouldn’t be. Excerpts:

So, why did you be part of the BJP?

I left the PDP a yr again. I used to be the celebration’s normal secretary. When (former CM, PDP founder and Mehbooba Mufti’s father) Mufti (Mohammad Sayeed) saab was there he cared for celebration staff. Because the time Mehbooba ji took over, staff began leaving one after the other, as she doesn’t care and ignores Jammu leaders. She focuses solely on Kashmir; all her statements are anti-Jammu and anti-national. This used to hurt me, as I needed to combat from Nowshera in Jammu. It was due to me she may win in a Hindu-dominated place like Nowshera. In 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated and she or he went to jail, I took the celebration’s trigger ahead. Within the DDC polls, in Nowshera we defeated the BJP candidate and made the PDP chairman win on a PDP mandate – we’re speaking a couple of Hindu-dominated space right here which was a outstanding feat. However when she got here out she ignored us and compelled us to go away the celebration.

Why did I be part of the BJP? Jammu and Kashmir are going by a vital juncture. Folks have misplaced religion and there’s a have to unite Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh; there is a want for bhaichara (brotherhood) amongst Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Buddhists. I realised that solely the BJP may make this occur. Modi-Shah is the one robust management now. They’ve the center to unravel the problems of the area. Let me reiterate that I’ve joined for neither private advantages nor political beneficial properties.

What are the important thing problems with your area?

Rajouri and Poonch are a number of the most backward areas. Quite a bit must be accomplished on electrical energy provide, roads, faculties and hospitals. We do not actually have a four-lane street. From a tourism viewpoint, there’s good scope. Regardless of excessive potential, there isn’t any business within the area.

Did not you protest when Article 370 was abrogated?

No, this isn’t true. I had mentioned it is okay you’ve accomplished away with 370 however identical to Himachal Pradesh and different states, the place individuals from outdoors cannot purchase land or take native jobs, related safeguards must be given to the area in order that native pursuits are taken care of.


So, do you favour the abrogation?

It was anyway sure to occur. This (the abrogation) was only a formality. However I really feel there’s a want for successful the belief of locals – their lands shouldn’t be usurped and their jobs shouldn’t be taken by outsiders.

You have been seen because the Hindu face of the PDP, and now you’re a part of the BJP. However Jats of your area are sad with the delimitation train underway as the realm inhabited by them is being demarked for SCs. Are you pleased with the best way the fee is working?

I do know Suchetgarh in RS Pura is Jat-dominated and is now reserved for SCs (scheduled castes). However that is the work of an impartial physique and what can we do about it. The same factor has occurred in Ramgarh. What goes in opposition to the Jats within the area is that their inhabitants is scattered. There may be resentment as their areas have gone for reservation. Nevertheless, they’ve a proper to place forth their views. I really feel the Jats are very a lot with the BJP. What can the fee do if the inhabitants of SCs is greater than Jats because the train is undertaken on a benefit foundation. Nobody can cease them.

See, there are locations the place some individuals have confronted discrimination. Nevertheless, I don’t wish to offer you examples. If I give one instance, others may have an issue. However I do know that there are issues with the fee. Allow us to see what they do lastly.

Speaking about ‘The Kashmir Recordsdata’, do you are feeling the current authorities is doing sufficient for the Kashmiri Pandits?

The central authorities has launched many schemes, particularly for his or her employment and rehabilitation. I’ve not seen the film. The issue is that the management of Kashmir doesn’t know on which subjects they need to discuss and on what matter they need to stay silent. Who can deny that Kashmiri Pandits have been wronged.

And even that is true that nationalist Muslims who cherished Hindustan and swore by the Indian flags have been killed. Nevertheless, as we speak’s management ought to keep away from making divisive statements aimed solely at getting votes. These votes is not going to unite the individuals, the nation and strengthen democracy. You must make statements that promote bhaichara in Jammu and Kashmir. Day by day you get up and take heed to them making statements on Kashmiri Pandits and Pakistan. Have you ever ever seen Mehboobaji protesting for bijli-paani-makan-shiksha (electricity-water-house-education)? The identical Mehbooba ji, when she was the CM, used to say why do these boys go to Kashmiri Pandit camps – solely to get toffee and milk, and now when she is out of energy, she is feeling the ache of Kashmiri Pandits.

The official agenda of the PDP has been “na grenade se, na goli se, baat banegi boli se (issues of Kashmir could be solved by talks and never with power)”, Can Mehbooba Mufti, along with her hand on her coronary heart say she remains to be residing by the phrases of her late father? When she was CM, have you learnt what number of pellet weapons have been utilized in J&Ok and stones picked up by younger boys?