Revolt in PDP as three MLAs speak against Mehbooba’s leadership

MLAs allege family rule in PDP express disenchantment with her leadership.

Mehbooba Mufti resigned as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir after the BJP pulled out of the PDP-BJP alliance.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hit a crisis within, as three MLAs, who represent three key assembly constituencies, publicly criticised its president Mehbooba Mufti in the past two days and hinted at new political formulation in the State.

Prominent Shia leader, Imran Raza Ansari, who represents north Kashmir’s Pattan constituency, on Monday accused Ms. Mufti of “converting the party into ‘Family Democratic Party’.”

“(PDP patron) Mufti Sayeed formed the PDP against the dynastic and family rule... but let Ms. Mufti be with her

mama ,

mosa ,

chacha and

bhai (uncles and brothers),” Mr. Ansari said, adding, “If there is a party where there is no family raj and is led by a brave leader, I will certainly consider joining it. For the sake of people if I need to change 50 parties I will do it.”

Mr. Ansari was holding the portfolios of Higher Education, Technical Education, Information Technology as a minister in the Ms. Mufti’s cabinet till the PDP-BJP alliance fell apart on July 19.

On Sunday, Mr. Ansari’s uncle and MLA Zadibal Abid Hussian Ansari also accused Ms. Mufti of “taking wrong policy decisions.”

“Ms. Mufti was arrogant as chief minister. She has converted PDP into a family raj party. Her brother was a photographer and was brought back and made a tourism minister. She adjusted her relatives and loyalists as vice chairmen in different boards,” said Mr. Zadibal Abid Hussian Ansari.

He accused senior PDP leaders Naeem Akhtar and Peer Mansoor Hussain of “misguiding Ms. Mufti.”

Throwing his support behind the MLA Pattan, Mohammad Abbas Wani, another PDP MLA from north Kashmir’s Tangmarg, said he seconded Mr. Zadibal Abid Hussian Ansari's assertions and “will join him”. “The party has been hijacked by a few. It’s unacceptable,” he said.

When contacted, a senior PDP leader said there was no “formal resignation by any PDP leader.”

The PDP has 28 MLAs in the 87-member state Assembly. While BJP has second highest MLAs at 25, followed by National Conference at 15 and Congress at 12. There are four independent MLAs too.