Despite challenges, PDP has made a place in people’s hearts: Rehman Veeri

Anantnag, Sep 18: The former minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader Abdul Rehman Veeri on Wednesday said that their party survived despite facing many challenges and has a place in hearts of the people.

Talking to reporters, PDP leader who was contesting Assembly elections from Shangus seat said that PDP has made a place in the hearts of people and is deeply rooted. “The party has faced many challenges, and I think if any other party had faced similar challenges, it would have been difficult for them to survive. But PDP survived despite these challenges,” he said after casting his vote at a polling station designated at Government Boys High School Akad.

“Despite facing tough situations, PDP carved out a significant political space for itself,” he said. About the brisk voting witnessed in south Kashmir, Veeri said that maximum participation of people in voting makes these elections more significant. “It is always better if there is greater the involvement of people in voting as it reflects the will of the people. In my opinion, the candidate who is elected after substantial voting carries more weight,” he said.

About Mehbooba Mufti’s decision not to contest Assembly elections, PDP leader said that the former made her own choice not to contest in the present Assembly elections. “No one could have stopped her from contesting, but she herself decided that she would not participate in this election. This was her own decision,” he said.

He further added that Mehbooba Mufti is the party leader, and she made this decision based on her “conscience.” Notably, this year, Abdul Rehman Veeri contested Assembly elections from Shangus constituency after he was replaced by Iltija Mufti in Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency.

About the consequences of the change of the pitch, Veeri said that PDP will win both the seats despite changing the pitch. “Such decisions are part of the party process, but we will win both seats,” he said.