Only PDP can stop rise of BJP in J&K: Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said it was the only party which could stop the rise of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir and defeat its "divisive" agenda.

"The collapse of National Conference and Congress in the state as major political forces has pitted the PDP directly against the BJP," Sayeed claimed while addressing public meetings in south Kashmir Pulwama district.

"The BJP's divisive agenda to seek a majority in the assembly is detrimental to the interests of the state and the country," he said, adding that his party with the support of the people would defeat the designs to dilute the distinct identity of J&K.

He added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir want a solution to their political problems through democratic process and that is the reason for their increasing participating in the polls.

The special status granted by the Constitution to the state was neither a "concession" nor was it "subservient to the ideology of any political party", the PDP patron said.

"The special status of Jammu and Kashmir was a historical necessity in view of the circumstances and realties of the situation that led to the partition of the country...," he said.

He said the inclusive and pluralistic composition of the state with a special status within the Union should be a source of pride for the entire country.

"But it is unfortunate that the BJP, which is now ruling the country with a huge mandate, is trying to undermine this asset of our democracy," he added.