Let me share my own experience. In 2019, I consciously chose a more challenging path to become the deputy mayor. Despite having the option to secure the position with the BJP’s support, which would have been easier, I made the decision to distance myself and work on building support within the Grand Alliance, consisting of the PDP, NC, and Congress – a genuine people’s coalition as I envisioned it to be.
I take pride in being the first person to assume the position within the Grand Alliance at its inception, which is known as the People’s Alliance.
While I could claim credit for being a founding and conceptual member of the People’s Alliance and the first to hold the chair, I prefer not to.
The most significant disagreement lies in the fact that their (Pdp’s) campaign and speeches in 2019 promised to keep the BJP away, and people indeed found them trustworthy in that regard. However, they shattered that trust, destroying people’s faith.
Mufti Sahib (May Allah grant him Magfirat) was the most respected leader for me and, undoubtedly, one of the most prominent figures. Mehbooba Ji remains a determined political fighter.
So, why did they fail to find a solution to their alliance with the BJP?
Why did they not choose to form an alliance without the BJP, even if it meant giving up their positions or stay in opposition?
Their actions have hurt the sentiments of the people and seemed to be against the interests of the public.
It’s challenging to trust their content again when the fact is that entire family, including father, daughter, brother, and uncle, held positions like Chief Ministers, cabinet ministers, and ministers with the support of the BJP.
Indeed, regaining trust will be a challenging task for them, especially when the credibility of past speeches and agendas has been compromised.
And Justifying their actions now is not sufficient to rebuild the trust that was lost and regaining trust requires a level of credibility that is difficult for many Kashmiris to accept.
