PDP says NC never allowed democracy to grow;NC reacts sharply

Reacting sharply, the National Conference said the PDP and its leadership were, in fact, responsible for derailing democracy in the state.

Devender Rana, NC leader and political advisor to the Chief Minister, said "the PDP and its leadership, which are claiming to be the champion of democracy, are responsible for derailing the democratic process in the state through politics of conspiracies and deceit."

Rana was addressing party workers in Nagrota assembly constituency in Jammu division.

Seeking people's mandate, the PDP said it alone could provide a better alternative to the people by strengthening democratic institutions at the grassroot levels.

"The NC leadership has never allowed democracy to flourish in J and K since 1947. The NC has brazenly used undemocratic means to remain in power," PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said.

Addressing a rally here to celebrate the 13th year of PDP's formation, she alleged all the elections till 2002 were tailored to suit the NC to form governments in the state.

"From 1947 to 2002, the NC did not allow strengthening of democratic institutions in the state because instability in the system as well as in the state suits the party," she said.

Addressing a function here, PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed alleged the present state government had undermined democratic institutions.

The failure to set up block samitis and district committees showed the government was not interested in strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions, he said.