PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday visited the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly for the first time since 2018 and called for a united push by both the government and opposition to restore the strength and dignity of the House.
Mufti, whose PDP-BJP coalition government collapsed in 2018 after the BJP withdrew support, observed the proceedings from the Speaker’s gallery before speaking to reporters.
Stressing the need for political consensus, she said both sides must work together to undo the “disempowerment” that followed developments in 2019.
Referring to the day’s proceedings, including private members’ bills, the PDP chief said her party has been actively bringing legislative proposals aimed at rebuilding public trust and addressing issues such as daily wagers, land rights and regional concerns.
Mufti remained present during the Question Hour, where all four PDP MLAs attended the session. Party legislator Rafiq Ahmad Naik also appreciated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for what he described as a “detailed and satisfactory” reply to a tourism-related query.
“Today I visited the Assembly and felt good. It reminded me of my father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The Assembly is a vital institution, but its authority has been diminished since 2019,” she said, referring to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and its reorganisation into Union Territories.
Reaffirming her party’s commitment, Mufti said the PDP would play a constructive role in strengthening the institution, while also placing responsibility on the ruling National Conference.
“The government has a major role to play. I believe that only through collective efforts can the Assembly regain its lost strength,” she said.
She added that several PDP-backed bills can be passed within the existing Union Territory framework, including proposals related to creation of new administrative divisions and ownership rights for people residing on small land parcels for years.
Taking note of the National Conference’s election promises, Mufti said the government must deliver on commitments related to employment, reservation and regularisation.
Commenting on the West Asia situation, Mufti said Iran was fighting with determination, adding that it would ultimately prevail in the conflict.