PDP severs ties with UPA after Cong-NC alliance

Irked by the Congress stitching an alliance with the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir for forming a coalition government, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today severed its ties with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the Centre.

“The PDP has formally dissociated itself from the UPA alliance at the Centre,” party president Mehbooba Mufti said in a letter to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Mufti is the lone member of her party in the Lok Sabha.

“In view of your new arrangement with the National Conference, both in the state and in the UPA, you would appreciate our difficulty in continuing to be a part of the UPA. My party has decided to stay away from the arrangement as it has become now untenable for it to continue in this alliance,” Mehbooba said in the letter, a copy of which was released to the press here.

 

Mehbooba did not question the right of the Congress to choose its allies but said, “As you have exercised your unquestionable right to choose a partner for government formation in J&K, we wish the new government well. I sincerely hope the new government in the state is able to respond to the highly complex situation with success.”

While conveying her party’s decision, Mehbooba expressed her gratitude to Gandhi for the “personal affection” that she always showered on her.

She also lauded Gandhi for “the consideration that you and your government showed to our point of view and the historic contribution you made to Kashmir's fortunes in 2002”.

Recalling the PDP-Congress coalition, Mehbooba said six years back her party had started a journey together against the backdrop of blood, mayhem, repression and despondency in the border state.

“Today, there is enough indication on ground to feel satisfied that the alliance turned out to be an enterprise of hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir that you and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, former chief minister, had intended it to be,” she said.