With panchayat and local body elections expected in Jammu and Kashmir, political parties in the Valley have intensified their outreach efforts to strengthen their organisational base across districts in Kashmir.
The main Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has been critical of the ruling National Conference government, recently constituted a committee for the expansion and strengthening of the party.
The committee will be headed by former Member of Parliament and senior leader Dr Mehboob Beg and includes former ministers Advocate Abdul Haq Khan and Peerzada Mansoor, former MLC Yasir Reshi, and Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para.
Alongside the organisational exercise, the PDP has been holding workers’ meetings in various parts of the Valley as part of its efforts to reconnect with the grassroots.
During these meetings, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has been targeting the National Conference government, alleging that despite receiving a strong public mandate, it has failed to deliver on key issues.
“From employment to reservation, and from culture to identity, everything is being steadily surrendered,” Mehbooba said during a recent workers’ meeting.
Following a party event in Ganderbal, the PDP claimed that the strong participation of workers reflected growing public engagement and renewed momentum for the party. “The mood here isn’t symbolic; it signals organisation, intent and a campaign that’s gathering momentum,” the party said.
Senior PDP leaders have also intensified outreach programmes across Kashmir. Party general secretary Mohammad Khurshid Alam recently chaired a workers’ meeting in Srinagar, calling for stronger grassroots outreach and people-centric politics.
A senior PDP leader said the party’s immediate focus was on strengthening its cadre and preparing workers for the upcoming elections. “Apart from strengthening the party at the grassroots level, we are also preparing our workers for the upcoming elections,” the leader said.
Jammu and Kashmir is expected to witness elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Block Development Councils (BDCs) and Panchayats in the coming months.
Other political parties have also stepped up their activities ahead of the anticipated polls. People’s Conference president Sajad Lone has been holding meetings across different areas, reiterating the party’s commitment to strengthening public outreach and addressing local concerns.
