Srinagar, Aug 5,: As the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir approach, political observers are cautioning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against allowing leaders who deserted the party at a critical juncture to rejoin.
These observers argue that accepting such “turncoats” would be detrimental to the party’s credibility and potentially fatal for both the PDP and the National Conference (NC). They point out that many political leaders in the region are known to switch parties to suit their interests, and this trend is expected to intensify before the elections.
A well known political analyst told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the PDP should not allow those who left the party when it needed them most to rejoin.
“Accepting such leaders would undermine the party’s values and erode trust among its loyal cadre and supporters,” he said.
Observers also warn that the National Conference (NC) faces a similar dilemma, as both parties risk being seen as opportunistic if they welcome back leaders who have lost credibility among the people.
With the election landscape in Jammu and Kashmir becoming increasingly fluid, the PDP and NC will need to tread carefully to maintain their integrity and appeal to voters. By drawing a line against turncoats, they can demonstrate their commitment to principles and values, say observers.
Observes feel, that the position of the National Conference on the ground is strong and this party should not accept PDP deserters who at one point of time forced Mehbooba Mufti to ally with BJP after the demise of late Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed. “Accepting PDP deserters in their fold will prove fatal for the NC,” they said.
“People are the ultimate sources of power. They know who is who and the party that will welcome the ‘turncoats’ will be at a loss during the upcoming assembly elections,” political analysts said.
Assembly elections are likely to be held this year in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of over 6 years. In June 2018, the BJP dumped the PDP and brought Jammu and Kashmir under the direct rule of the Centre. Since then no elections were held in the erstwhile state. [KNT]
