Iltija Mufti, a leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and daughter of party chief Mehbooba Mufti, addressed her loss from the Bijbehara seat in South Kashmir.
On Tuesday, she dismissed the claim that the PDP’s alliance with the BJP was the reason for the party’s decline, asserting instead that there was an assault on the PDP that led to its setbacks.
In her electoral debut, Iltija lost to National Conference (NC) leader Bashir Ahmad Veeri. She cited multiple factors behind her defeat, emphasizing the internal fractures within the PDP that benefited the NC.
“Our party was broken, and we lost seats to the NC because, in the valley, people choose between either the NC or the PDP. This time, they decided to give NC a chance, capitalizing on our weakened state,” she stated.
Iltija explained that the PDP managed to secure only three seats in the valley due to the “assault” on the party, noting that “twenty-five of our MLAs, two Rajya Sabha members, and many ministers were taken out from the party, which also led to the departure of our cadre. This was not because of the alliance with the BJP but due to the assault we faced.”
Reflecting on her decision to contest from Bijbehara, Iltija acknowledged the risk she took. “I knew it was a risk, but why should I have avoided it? I didn’t choose a safe seat because I am not just a figurehead. I took the chance, and though it did not pay off, I accept the people’s decision.”
She emphasized her connection to the legacy of her grandfather, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who founded the PDP and challenged the dominance of the NC.
When asked about future elections, Iltija was non-committal, citing the uncertainty of life. “Five years is a long time. We don’t know what will happen. But I am a fighter. I am not afraid and remain strong,” she said.
She also urged the central government to allow the newly elected government in Jammu Kashmir to function without interference, adding, “There should be no hanky-panky.”
Iltija lost to Veeri by a margin of 9,770 votes.