Fri Sep 20 13:33:51 UTC 2024: ## PDP Faces Existential Crisis Ahead of J&K Assembly Elections

**Srinagar, India:** The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a prominent regional force in Jammu and Kashmir, finds itself in a precarious position ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The party, founded in 1999 by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti, has witnessed a significant exodus of leaders, including senior figures and former ministers, since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

The desertions, primarily to the newly formed Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, perceived as a proxy of the BJP, have raised concerns about the PDP’s future. Political commentators believe the party’s fate hinges on its performance in the upcoming elections.

The PDP emerged in the wake of the Kargil War, aiming to provide an alternative to the dominant National Conference and address the region’s volatile political landscape. The party gained prominence through its advocacy for dialogue with Pakistan and its efforts to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. Mehbooba Mufti, known for her organizational skills, established a strong connection with the masses, particularly in the Valley.

The PDP’s electoral success culminated in its formation of a coalition government with the Congress in 2002. The party’s popularity soared after the resumption of India-Pakistan dialogue and the inauguration of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service. However, the alliance fell apart in 2008 over a land transfer dispute.

In 2014, the PDP formed another controversial alliance with the BJP, a move that alienated a significant portion of its support base. The coalition government, marked by instability, collapsed in 2018 following the BJP’s withdrawal of support.

Following the abrogation of Article 370, the PDP found itself at odds with the BJP’s policies, further eroding its standing within the Valley. The party’s electoral performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and subsequent Assembly elections underscored the decline in its popularity.

Despite the challenges, the PDP remains the second largest regional party in Jammu and Kashmir, according to political analyst Noor Ahmad Baba. The party’s performance in the upcoming Assembly elections, particularly in South Kashmir, will be crucial in determining its future and its ability to reclaim its former position as a significant political force in the region.

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