PDP’s Para Accuses NC of Helping BJP Normalise August 5 Decisions

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para stated on Monday that the Budgam by-election is more than a local poll; he described it as an opportunity for voters to oppose the ongoing “normalisation” of the August 5, 2019 decisions, which he claimed is being supported by the National Conference (NC).

Speaking to reporters outside the Returning Officer’s office in Budgam, where he was present with PDP candidate Aga Muntazir Mehdi, Para said that for the first time in a long while, the people of Jammu and Kashmir delivered a decisive mandate, resulting in the National Conference coming to power.

“Despite having an absolute majority, NC has failed to speak on political rights or challenge the decisions taken after the abrogation of Article 370. In fact, every move of the BJP is being normalised with NC’s silence,” he said.

He said the Budgam bypoll is an opportunity for people to reclaim their political voice. “People have elected a Chief Minister from here, but they still have no one to address their local issues. Muntazir belongs to Budgam — win or lose, he will remain here, among his people,” Para said.

Calling the by-election crucial for the political discourse of Jammu Kashmir, Para added, “This vote is not just for Budgam; it’s a message across Kashmir that parties making tall promises and failing to deliver must be held accountable.”

On the reservation issue, Para said PDP is seeking its rationalisation based on population. “A big mandate was given to the NC, but they avoid talking about detainees, the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami or Article 370. Even our assembly is not ready to raise these issues,” he remarked.