PDP to support NC only for 3rd Rajya Sabha seat: Mehbooba

Srinagar, Oct 23: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday clarified that her party will extend support to the National Conference (NC) only for the third seat in the Rajya Sabha elections. She emphasised that this decision is taken in the larger interest of keeping the BJP at bay while ensuring that pro-people legislation is passed.

Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Mehbooba said that the PDP’s support is conditional on the NC fulfilling its commitment to pass two critical private member bills: the land regularisation bill and the daily wagers regularisation bill. She stressed that the PDP’s three votes, though limited, carry significant weight in the Rajya Sabha election. The party will not support the fourth seat, cautioning that if the BJP wins there, the PDP would be unfairly blamed.

“We will vote for the third seat only. We will not vote for the fourth seat, because if BJP wins there, PDP will be wrongly blamed for the loss,” she said.

The Election Commission of India has issued notifications for the Rajya Sabha elections, with two seats being held separately and third notification is for two seats notified together. NC allies hold an edge on the third seat, while the fourth seat will be determined by the support of independents. Shami Oberoi is contesting the third seat for the NC, while Imran Nabi Dar is contesting the fourth seat. Polling for the Rajya Sabha seats is scheduled for tomorrow, October 24.

Mehbooba highlighted that the land regularisation bill seeks to grant ownership rights to poor families who have been living on government land under the constant threat of demolition since 2019.

“Bulldozers have been used across the country and here as well. Poor people who built their houses on government land have lived with a sword hanging over their heads. We want this sword removed so they can live with dignity,” she said.

The bill also aims to protect long-standing hotel owners whose leases are at risk of termination, preventing these properties from being auctioned to outsiders. Mehbooba said she had discussed the bills with Dr Farooq Abdullah in a telephonic conversation, requesting his support to ensure their passage. She also held a meeting with NC candidate Shami Oberoi, receiving assurances that the NC would not obstruct the legislation.

On the issue of daily wagers, Mehbooba stressed the need to regularise thousands of workers in departments including PHE, R&B, Irrigation, Health, and Education, many of whom have served for decades on minimal or no pay.

“This bill is about justice for them. Many daily wagers have worked for 20–25 years on meagre pay, and some haven’t even received salaries. It is time to secure their rights,” she said.

Mehbooba reiterated that the PDP’s support to the NC is strictly conditional on fulfilling these commitments. She referred to threats from BJP leaders, including Sunil Sharma, who labeled the land bill as “Land Jihad,” and stressed that if the NC does not uphold its assurances, the people will see whose agenda is being implemented.

“Sunil Sharma threatened us, calling it the Land Jihad bill. Now, the NC must ensure it passes. They have 50 members — no one can stop them,” she said.

The PDP president also raised concerns regarding Smart Meter charges, particularly the 200 units previously promised to poor consumers, calling for a one-time amnesty which was rejected. She further expressed worry over selective media access and restrictions on freedom of expression in the Assembly, stressing that citizens must have a voice in governance.

Placing the PDP’s legislative strategy in a larger political context, Mehbooba emphasized the importance of protecting Jammu and Kashmir’s land and resources and countering BJP pressures at the national level.

She also criticized the denial of safe seat by NC to  Congress from the Rajya Sabha elections and questioned the credibility of some parties in the India Alliance.

Mehbooba concluded by reaffirming that the PDP’s votes would only support the third seat and that the party would not compromise on its pro-people agenda.

“If the NC fails to pass the land and daily wage bills, it will show whose agenda is being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. The people will decide,” she said.