PDP confident of getting clear mandate in J-K

Expressing confidence that there will be a decisive mandate in favour of his party following the assembly polls this time, People's Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Sunday ruled out a wave in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the state.

Sayeed, who cast his vote in the state's Bijbehara town in the fourth phase of assembly polls, said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the right to go anywhere for the election campaigns like the Congress and National Conference.

"The ultimate decision is taken by the people and that will be accepted by all of us. I feel that the people gave mandate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the national level, but he is not everywhere because all the areas and regions have their own leadership. Prime Minister Modi will not come in every state," Sayeed said.

"In Jammu and Kashmir, the only alternative party is the PDP," he added.

The PDP patron further said the performance of his party has so far been good terms in terms of transparency, good governance, development, an atmosphere of peace, trade across LoC and better relations with Pakistan.

"I feel it will be a positive, decisive mandate in favour of PDP," he added.

Sayeed also said that there would be no need of any coalition as the PDP will get a decisive mandate this time.

"My impression is that the PDP has a positive agenda as we had presented in 2002 and implemented. People have faith that if we come to power, we will improve and solve problems here. The elections have got legitimacy, I am happy there is peace, those who want to vote are voting and they have faith in vote. The people of Jammu and Kashmir will have to decide," he added.

The polling, which began at 8 a.m. on a dull note due to chilly weather conditions and fog in the morning, has started picking up in 16 assembly segments spread over three districts of Srinagar, Anantnag and Shopian in the fourth phase of five-phased elections.

In this phase, the polling is being held in 18 assembly segments.

The concerned authorities have made unprecedented security arrangements for free, fair and peaceful polling in these constituencies.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from Sonawar constituency of Srinagar district, and three sitting ministers are among the 182 candidates in the fray in this phase.