Beware of Fakes: Mehbooba Mufti Warns Against ‘False Independents’ in J&K Polls

Beware of Fakes: Mehbooba Mufti Warns Against ‘False Independents’ in J&K Polls

In a heated statement ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti cautioned voters about the presence of independent candidates who, she claimed, were not truly independent. According to her, many of these candidates have covert affiliations with Jamaat-e-Islami, a political and social organization often viewed with suspicion for its alleged role in extremist activities.

Mufti's remarks came during a campaign rally, where she expressed concerns over the deceptive practices employed by certain political groups. She alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami, unable to field official candidates due to legal or political constraints, is using ‘independents’ as a façade to push their agenda in the upcoming elections.

“This is nothing but an attempt to mislead the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” she stated, emphasizing the need for voters to scrutinize candidates before making their decisions. Mufti's comments reflect a broader concern over the transparency of the electoral process in the region, as several political parties jockey for influence in the first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Her remarks have stirred debate among political observers, with some accusing her of fear-mongering, while others believe her warning is a necessary alert for voters to remain vigilant.

As the election date draws closer, Mehbooba Mufti’s strong stance on this issue may play a key role in shaping voter behavior, particularly among those skeptical of hidden affiliations within the political landscape.