PDP co-founder raises banner of revolt

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 20

PDP’s lone MP Muzaffar Beig on Tuesday raised a banner of revolt against his own party and hinted at joining the emerging ‘third front’ after calling Sajad Lone like his son. Promptly welcoming his move, Sajad said Baig’s entry could be the defining tribute to the ‘third front.’

In a major political upheaval after the break-up of the PDP-BJP government in June this year, Baig said the PDP betrayed its workers and the legislators by boycotting the polls.

Addressing reporters here, Baig was attacked the PDP but praised the ‘third front’ and Sajad.

“I was a friend of his (Sajad’s) father and I also prepared the constitution of the People’s Conference (PC). I contested the election and on the basis of which the PC was registered and recognised as a political party. So the PC has been like a home to me. For me Sajad is like a son. If Sajad is interested that there should be a third force, he should be encouraged.” Baig said. “If the ‘third front’ emerges in J&K, I would seriously consider joining it,” he said.

The PDP headed by Mehbooba Mufti is going through a sort of existential crisis as many of its members, including former Cabinet Minister and influential Shia cleric Imran Ansari, have openly defied the party leadership and have rallied around Sajad.

“I am humbled by Muzaffar Baig’s statement. A person of his stature, experience and intellect can be the defining attribute of the emerging third party. I remember him as my favourite uncle during my childhood,” Sajad tweeted minutes after the press meet.

Hitting out at the PDP, Baig said the party’s decision to “ape NC” to boycott the municipal elections was “undemocratic and it was taken without consulting him”.

“I was a phone call away. They did not consult me. I remained quiet because I do not want the PDP to fall asunder,” Baig added.

Both the NC and PDP had insisted that the Centre should take a stand on Article 35A as a pre-condition to join the elections. However, Baig trashed such arguments saying such logic was flawed.

“The issue of Article 35A is not to be decided by politicians or the Government of India. It is to be decided by highest court of land which is not afraid of taking bold decisions,” he added.

Lashes out at party

• PDP co-founder Muzaffar Baig said the PDP’s decision to boycott the municipal elections was “undemocratic” and it was taken without consulting him
• The NC and PDP had insisted that the Centre should take a stand on Article 35A as a pre-condition to join the elections. However, Baig trashed such arguments saying such logic was flawed 
• Baig said he was disillusioned with the PDP, but did not say anything whether he would leave the party or not