Mehbooba kicks off campaign for Anantnag assembly by-poll

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today launched her campaign for the by-poll to Anantnag assembly seat saying she will carry forward the mission of her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to usher an era of peace, stability and prosperity in the state.
"PDP has established clear political priorities and we would continue our struggle to seek resolution of the multiple problems faced by Jammu and Kashmir on political, economic, developmental, administrative and financial fronts," Mehbooba said addressing a series of roadside public meetings during the day-long campaign.
Mehbooba said PDP began its journey in 1999 under the leadership of Sayeed to transform the monopolistic political course in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The party established clear political priorities for itself and focused on them relentlessly to pull the state out of the morass of instabilities and uncertainties plaguing it for the past more than six decades," she said, adding that with the unflinching support of the people, PDP has emerged as a premier regional political force within a short span of 16 years.
Mehbooba said the driving force for PDP's emergence as a robust regional force is the public support it has got for its pro-people policies.
"We will continue to work towards accomplishing the vision of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to create a space of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir," she said.

She said like other parts of the state, Sayeed wanted to restore the historic glory of Anantnag which has faced huge development deficit due to political neglect in the past.

"I will try to realize my father's dream of addressing the developmental concerns of the people in every part of the state including Anantnag," she said.
"I have come to seek your vote and support to carry forward the mission of my father which couldn't be accomplished because of his demise," she added.
The by-election to Anantnag assembly segment, necessitated due to the demise of Sayeed, is slated to be held on June 22.

Eight candidates, including Mehbooba, are in the fray in a multicornered contest.