PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday accused the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by jailed MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, of acting as a proxy for the BJP. She urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to avoid falling under the influence of such parties. Mufti's statement followed an alleged attack on PDP candidate Yawar Shafi Banday in Shopian, reportedly carried out by AIP workers.

During a press conference in Anantnag, Mufti said that Banday had been assaulted while visiting his constituency. “Our candidate was beaten, his ribs broken, and he is in serious condition,” she claimed.

Mufti also questioned how the AIP, with Rashid in jail, could organize its candidates and resources so efficiently. “It took Mufti Mohammad Sayeed 50 years to establish the PDP, and we still struggle with resources. Where is Rashid's party getting its funding from? Who is backing them?" she asked.

She further alleged that the government was supporting AIP as a new proxy party. “When all their previous proxy parties failed, they brought in Engineer Rashid's party, fully funding and supporting them,” Mufti said.

The PDP leader criticized the lack of action against AIP workers following the alleged attack on PDP supporters. She questioned why, despite the violence, no AIP members had been arrested.

Mufti warned voters to be cautious of proxy parties aiming to divide the vote in Kashmir. “There is a powerful force behind these parties, and they are specifically targeting the PDP because of its stance for the people of Kashmir,” she said.

Responding to a question about former Congress leader Waqar Rasool Wani’s remarks regarding the National Conference (NC), Mufti said the alliance between NC and Congress was not based on principles, referencing the 1987 elections and their aftermath. “They will do anything for power, without any principles. NC is even fielding independent candidates against Congress,” she added.

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