Don’t boycott polls this time, Mehbooba urges people

Srinagar, Apr 18: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti Thursday filed her nomination papers for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.
The voting for this seat is scheduled for the third phase on May 7.
Accompanied by several party leaders and hundreds of supporters, Mehbooba arrived at the office of the constituency’s returning officer and Anantnag Deputy Commissioner Syed Fakhruddin to file her nomination.
During this process, her daughter Iltija Mufti was also present, demonstrating her active involvement in supporting her mother’s campaign.
While speaking to media persons, the former chief minister appealed to the people not to boycott the elections.
She emphasized that these elections are crucial for responding to the BJP’s actions against the dignity, identity, and resources of Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba stressed that the people must use their voting power to defeat the BJP.
“I urge all the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to boycott the elections. There are attempts to encourage boycotts, particularly in South Kashmir. We must expose these conspiracies. Vote for the candidate whom you believe will advocate for the oppressed people.”
The PDP president highlighted that this Lok Sabha election is not merely about developmental issues such as electricity, water, and roads. Instead, it is about addressing the onslaught on the dignity, identity, property, and resources of the region since 2019.
She emphasized that the election transcends party lines and is about the current state of Kashmir being transformed into an open prison.
“Today, all our resources are being stripped away, and efforts are being made to turn us into bonded laborers. We will not allow this. This land and the opportunities it holds belong to us. We will not permit our identity to be eroded.”
Voting for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency will take place in the third phase on May 7.
The deadline for filing nominations in this constituency, formed by dividing portions of the Anantnag-Pulwama and Jammu-Poonch-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituencies, is Friday.
Azad’s DPAP has nominated Mohammad Salim Parray, while Apni Party has chosen Zafar Iqbal Manhas as its candidate, who also filed nomination papers on Thursday.