PDP alone can counter BJP's divisive agenda: Mufti Sayeed

PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Wednesday filed his nomination papers for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, and said only his party can counter the BJP's "divisive agenda".

Sayeed, who is also the Peoples Democratic Party's chief ministerial candidate, filed his papers for the Anantnag constituency.

"The divisive agenda of the BJP and its allies in Jammu and Kashmir can be counter-checked only through a decisive vote," Sayeed told a large gathering of supporters in Anantnag town.

"The PDP sees the upcoming elections as a challenge not only to prevent the divisive and frenzied elements from causing any harm to Kashmir's special status, but to also safeguard the state's unique constitutional and pluralistic character by establishing new bonds between communities and regions," he said.

He said the PDP's agenda goes beyond good governance, on which it has established credentials, and the party looks forward to paving the way for a dignified resolution of the Kashmir issue.

"Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are part of a bouquet and it must continue to be like that. The PDP will nurture that idea at any cost," he said.

A defining moment has come in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir when people have to stand up to the massive challenge ahead to pull the state out of political uncertainty and economic deprivation, he said.

"It is my desire to establish a system where every section of the society would get justice and equal opportunities for development and economic growth," the PDP chief said.

He said the PDP's agenda was formulated by accommodating wishes and aspirations of all regions of the State.

The PDP during its tenure had carved a path of peace and development by treating all regions equally, he said.

Sayeed said the performance of the party in the Lok Sabha elections, where it won three seats, also comes as a challenge to the party's leadership and cadres.

"The Lok Sabha elections represented a crucial step forward in investing the electoral process in the state with the much-needed credibility and one can hope it serves to inspire the people to exercise their franchise more effectively in order to shape a new future for Kashmir," he said.