Lawyer, businessman join PDP

A noted lawyer and a businessman, hailing from downtown Srinagar, today joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) here, which the party president attributed it to its "increasing appeal" among people.
"Senior lawyer Azahar-ul-Amin and businessman Raouf Panjabi joined the PDP and were welcomed into the party fold by party president Mehbooba Mufti," a party spokesman said in a statement.
He said Amin is distinguished for his legal acumen, professional integrity and social service.
Panjabi, who belongs to a noted business family in Zadibal constituency, was a president of the state Chamber of Industries and Commerce, the spokesman said.
He said Panjabi has been part of many civil society initiatives and philanthropic organisations.

PDP president expressed satisfaction at the "increasing appeal" of her party and its agenda among the informed sections of society especially in Srinagar.

Mehbooba said the trend has picked up of late and it "augurs well" for the politics of the state.
She said the party is not an "exclusive preserve" but offers a free and open platform to all sections of society and its aim is to empower different categories of the society.
"The fact that the youth and professionals are finding PDP as a political preference could change the entire political dynamics of the state," she claimed.