Mehbooba would have allocated seats to Jamaat leaders: Waheed Parra

Srinagar, Sep 01: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Youth President and assembly candidate for Pulwama constituency Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra Sunday said that if Jamaat-e-Islami had approached the PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, she would have accommodated its candidates and given tickets to them.

Parra said that the PDP had always prioritised 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 emphasised that Mehbooba Mufti has 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 would have meant sacrificing many seats, we would have accommodated them,” Parra said.

He said that the PDP’s commitment was to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and that the party believes that every group, party, and especially those representing significant sections of society deserves a place at the table.

Parra said that the PDP’s approach had 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,” he said.

Parra said that if PDP comes to power, they would lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami.

He reiterated that such an inclusive approach was essential for lasting peace, tranquillity, prosperity, and stability in J&K.