Opinion

JK’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) witnessing exodus of its senior leadership

Two senior leaders quit the Peoples Democratic Party recently

On Sunday, two senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders resigned from the party, citing no reason at all. The party has been facing a crises situation as veteran politicians are renouncing it at will.

The latest setback for the party is the resignation by Khursheed Aalam, the PDP’s Srinagar face, and Yasir Reshi, a former legislator from Bandipora.

A close aide of Khursheed, while talking about the resignation, confirmed the latter’s decision of calling quits from the party.

“He (Khursheed Aalam) had developed some serious differences with the party leadership over the course of time for its approach to dealing with a variety of issues, including the party’s internal and external issues,” he said.

“The leader may take some time to make a decision about his future plans,” he said.

On the other hand, Yasir Reshi proclaimed his “disassociation” from the PDP during a meeting in Sonawari. He had previously stated that he would join Sajad Lone’s Peoples Conference.

Notably, Yasir remained away from PDP since Parliamentary elections were held in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State and supported People’s Conference despite PDP having their own candidate (Qayoom Wani) in field.

Things Changed for PDP Post Article 370 Abrogation

After the Centre revoked J&K’s special status on August 5, 2019, the PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, saw a substantial exodus of leaders. Former Minister Altaf Bukhari, who was once close to Ms Mufti, founded the J&K Apni Party in 2020 and recruited a number of ex-PDP ministers and lawmakers.

The new resignations come after Arif Amin, the party’s young face from Pulwama, entered the Peoples Conference just some days ago. Mr. Amin was a close friend of PDP Youth President Waheed Parra, who is still in prison on charges of a “politico-militant nexus.”

Difficult Times Ahead

The party’s well-known leaders like Nayeem Akhtar and Sartaj Madni, two of Ms. Mufti’s closest aides, have been detained since December of last year while Waheed Parra continues to be in prison. Even Mehbooba Mufti herself is being reportedly associated with the case, investigated by National Investigation Agency (NIA) related to arrested DSP Davinder Singh and HM militant Naveed Babu.

With the continuation of resignation spree from the party leaders, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party is headed for a new low, while the party’s cadre sees tough times ahead, with its issues getting more serious.

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Aasif Ganaie

Aasif is a journalist and a news enthusiast based in Jammu & Kashmir. He voyages to explore and uncover the stories More »

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