If approached, Mehbooba Mufti would have considered giving mandates to Jamaat: Waheed Para

Srinagar, Sep 01: The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party youth president and Assembly candidate for Pulwama Constituency, Waheed Ur Rehman Parra on Sunday said that if Jamaat-e-Islami had approached the PDP President, Mehbooba Mufti, she would have accommodated Jamaat-e-Islami candidates and given them tickets.

In a statement to Srinagar based news agency KDC, Parra emphasized that the PDP has always prioritized inclusive politics and engagement with diverse groups, regardless of their ideological affiliations, to ensure the broadest possible representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that Mehbooba Mufti always believed in dialogue reconciliation, and inclusion.

"If Jamaat-e-Islami had reached out to PDP, we would have considered seat allocations to bring together all voices within the democratic framework. Even if it meant sacrificing many seats, we would have accommodated them," Parra said.

He added that the PDP’s approach has always been to bridge divides and ensure that all communities, irrespective of their backgrounds, have a say in shaping the future of the region. If Jamaat-e-Islami wants to contest elections, it is a positive development.

Democracy is a battle of ideas. The government should lift the ban on it. We would have accommodated them and provided sufficient space, seats, and opportunities to contest.

Parra added that if PDP comes to power, it will lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami.

He reiterated that such an inclusive approach is essential for lasting peace, tranquillity, prosperity, and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.