Jammu & Kashmir: As the countdown begins for the much-anticipated Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election results, speculations regarding potential alliances are intensifying. Amid various political calculations, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has made it clear that it will take a stance on forming or supporting a secular front only after the results are officially declared.
Iltija Mufti, Media Advisor to PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, addressed the growing rumors surrounding possible alliances. In a tweet on Monday, she clarified the party's position, stating, "Let me put the record straight. PDP's senior leadership will take a call on extending support to a secular front only once the results are out. This is our official stand."
This comes as exit polls suggest that the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance is poised to perform well in the assembly elections. Many exit polls have predicted that the NC-Congress coalition could secure between 45-50 seats in the 90-member assembly, compared to the BJP?s expected 23-27 seats. The PDP, meanwhile, is projected to win between 5 and 12 seats, according to the same polls. However, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah has downplayed the predictions, describing exit polls as "just time pass."
Mehbooba Mufti has previously emphasized that any future government in Jammu and Kashmir would need the support of the PDP, reiterating that the next government would be a secular one. Her comments have led to increased speculation over whether her party might align with the Congress-NC coalition to form the government, given the secular front narrative.
The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections mark the first assembly polls held since the abrogation of Article 370, and voter turnout was recorded at 63.45%, slightly lower than the 65.52% turnout during the 2014 elections. The fate of 873 candidates competing for a place in the state assembly will be revealed by Tuesday evening.
As the final results approach, political analysts expect more clarity on the future leadership and alliances in Jammu and Kashmir, with the PDP's decision potentially playing a pivotal role in determining the state's next government.
