Taj Mohiuddin to contest as independent from Uri

Baramulla, Sep 8: Former minister and veteran politician Taj Mohiuddin Sunday announced his candidacy as an independent from the Uri assembly constituency, weeks after resigning from Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP).

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has officially extended its support to Mohiuddin, a move that would make the Uri assembly segment contest interesting.

Addressing a news conference in Uri, Mohuiddin thanked the People’s Democratic Party President, Mehbooba Mufti saying, “Mehbooba Mufti is like my daughter and her support will ensure a change in the dynastic politics of Uri assembly segment.” He said that a few more political parties would extend their support to him in the coming days and that the political landscape of the Uri assembly segment was changing.

Rafiq Rather, PDP’s candidate from Baramulla, while announcing the party’s decision to back Mohiuddin said, “On the directions of party leader Mehbooba Mufti, I am here to announce PDP’s support for Taj Mohiuddin. Our party workers will work tirelessly for Taj Sahab to ensure his victory.”

He said that the PDP would withdraw its candidate for the constituency in favour of Mohiuddin.

A long-time political figure in Uri, Mohiuddin resigned from the Congress in 2022 to support Ghulam Nabi Azad.

However, he resigned from DPAP and decided to contest from Uri as an independent candidate.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Mohiuddin said that the formation of the collegium of independent candidates was also on the cards.

He said that the independent candidates would support each other and if elected, they would play a key role in government formation.