Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has drawn criticism over her party’s lack of physical presence at recent opposition rallies in New Delhi, despite her sharp verbal rebuke of the central government
The demonstrations in the capital, organized to demand the stepping down of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, saw significant opposition mobilization. However, the PDP’s absence on the ground has fueled debate over where the party stands regarding joint opposition initiatives against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Mufti took to X (formerly Twitter) to compare the administrative clampdown and travel restrictions surrounding Delhi’s protest venues to the security lockdown and communications blackout enforced in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 was revoked. She accused the ruling establishment of systematically suppressing dissent and later falsely claiming that public opposition was nonexistent, framing forced quietude as widespread approval.
Despite her strong remarks, political observers have questioned why the party did not translate its rhetoric into active street participation alongside other opposition leaders.
Defending the party’s approach, PDP chief spokesperson Mehboob Beg argued that opposing assaults on democratic institutions remains paramount regardless of the medium—be it public statements, social media, or street rallies. Emphasizing that allegations of electoral manipulation impact citizens nationwide, Beg maintained that the current Election Commission leadership has eroded public trust, calling for the CEC’s resignation and contrasting current standards with the legacy of former CEC T.N. Seshan. Beg cited recent media investigations into voter roll anomalies and reported internal commission friction as justification for the public unrest.
