At a time when Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a crisis in Kashmir, many of its leaders and workers in Jammu remained intact “expecting late Mufti Muhammed Sayeed-like leadership from their party president Mehbooba Mufti”.
Amid heavy downpour, a large number of workers and leadersassembled at the party headquarters in Gandhi Nagar to celebrate the 20thfoundation day.
Recalling Mufti Sayeed’s contribution to Jammu and Kashmir,the leaders and workers hoped that “Kashmir-based party leaders will give themthe respect they deserve”.
“Most of the PDP leaders from Jammu, who worked with MuftiSayeed, are still in the party. Only two amongst us left the party. The partyis much stronger in Jammu than in Kashmir,” a senior PDP leader said.
In the prevailing circumstances, the participants said thatthey missed their leader, Mufti Muhammed Sayeed. “Mufti sahab would tell usthat it is not a party, but a revolution for the welfare of the people. Thepeople of Jammu had a special place in his heart,” Hamid Choudhary said whilespeaking to Greater Kashmir.
Another senior party leader, RK Bali described late MuftiSayeed as a charismatic leader. He said that PDP is intact in Jammu divisionand needs to be strengthened.
“In Mehbooba Mufti, we have a good leader in place of MuftiSayeed. But something is missing. There seems to be a vacuum in the party,”another Jammu based party leader, wishing anonymity, said.
“Today, we discussed several issues confronting the party.We have also passed a resolution to support the party President,” the leadersaid, adding that the party has become weak in the absence of an organizationalstructure in Jammu after the President dissolved the bodies.
Though, PDP leaders don’t speak up openly, but some of themhave concerns with the leaders based in Kashmir.
“Expect Mehbooba Mufti, Kashmir based leaders have failed togive the workers the respect they deserve. That is what hurts. There-organization of the structure within the party will help to keep away sucharrogant leaders,” a leader, who wished not to be quoted, said.
Sources within the party told Greater Kashmir that some ofthe Jammu-based leader will meet Mehbooba Mufti and project their demands soon.