PDP Fails to Make Any Major Impact: Fall from 28 Seats in 2014 to 3 in 2024

PDP Fails to Make Any Major Impact: Fall from 28 Seats in 2014 to 3 in 2024

Dil Bar Irshad | October 9, 2024 | 09:24 AM IST | Elections 2024, Featured by VoM, Featured Edition, Jammu Kashmir, Politics | Follow on Google News

PDP Fails to Make Any Major Impact: Fall from 28 Seats in 2014 to 3 in 2024

PDP Fails to Make Any Major Impact: Fall from 28 Seats in 2014 to 3 in 2024

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) failed to make a significant impact, securing only three assembly segments: Pulwama, Tral, and Kupwara.

Fall from 28 to 3 in a Decade

The PDP, which was the single largest party in the 2014 assembly elections with 28 seats, has faced numerous setbacks over the past 10 years. Political analysts attribute the party’s decline to its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The alliance did not work, leading to its collapse and the imposition of Governor’s rule in the Union Territory, creating political instability. This decision has been criticized as one of the party’s worst mistakes. Additionally, the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, according to political experts, dealt a significant blow to the PDP, contributing to its downfall.

Following the demise of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the party struggled to regain strength. Many factors have contributed to its decline. Once the largest party with 28 assembly seats, the PDP now holds only three segments after a decade.

Furthermore, several leaders who were elected in 2014 did not participate in the 2024 assembly elections. Many resigned and joined other parties. Iltija Mufti, daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, emerged as the main face of the PDP in her debut election in J&K, contesting from South Kashmir’s Bijbehara constituency, where she conceded defeat.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Iltija Mufti shared her reflections on the journey, stating that she accepts the “verdict of the people.”
“I accept the verdict of the people. The love & affection I received from everyone in Bijbehara will always stay with me. Gratitude to my PDP workers who worked so hard throughout this campaign,” Iltija Mufti posted.

According to political analysts, Iltija Mufti could play a significant role in reviving the PDP in the coming years. As a young and fresh face, she may garner public support in both parliamentary and future assembly elections.

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.