Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 1: After facing its worst ever defeat in the recently held assembly polls in Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti is trying to make her presence felt in Jammu region.
On Saturday, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti visited Katra and interacted with the protesters, expressing her strong opposition to the decision of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to construct the ropeway.
She demanded the withdrawal of the FIR registered against two protestors and expressed solidarity with the people of Katra.
An observer while talking to Early Times said, “Mehbooba by reaching out to protesters in Katra is trying to tell Jammu people that her party exists and supports the issues that touch the skin of a common man.”
He said, “Making inroads in Jammu won’t be easy for the PDP. The party should focus on Kashmir rather than Jammu. There is no harm in PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti is trying to make her presence felt in the Jammu region.
Mehbooba by reaching out to protesters in Katra is trying to tell Jammu people that her party exists.
There is no harm in visiting Katra but she should avoid politicizing a sensitive issue.
To gain some ground in Jammu is not going to be that easy for the PDP.
It's in place to mention here that the controversy surrounding the proposed ropeway project for the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has taken a political turn. The proposed ropeway, aimed at improving accessibility to the shrine, has sparked widespread opposition among Katra residents and local stakeholders.
Protesters are claiming that the project will negatively impact the livelihoods of those dependent on the traditional pilgrimage routes, including pony owners, porters, and shopkeepers.
A politician who wished anonymity said, “The PDP could only win 3 assembly seats in Kashmir. The party even lost its bastions. It was outrightly rejected by the people in the Valley. By reaching out to people in the Jammu region the PDP chief is making an attempt to gain some ground but it's not going to be that easy for it.” | 