In a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has accused the central government of weaponizing investigative agencies out of sheer desperation ahead of crucial elections. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar on Wednesday, Mufti labeled the recent surge in enforcement actions against opposition leaders as a blatant misuse of power.
“This is not justice; it’s vendetta politics,” Mufti declared, pointing to high-profile raids and summons issued by agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). She argued that such tactics reflect the BJP’s fear of losing ground in upcoming polls, particularly in states where regional parties are gaining momentum.
Mufti drew parallels to past instances where opposition figures faced similar scrutiny, emphasizing that the pattern has intensified as election dates approach. “When they can’t win fairly, they resort to these dirty tricks,” she said, urging the Election Commission to intervene and ensure a level playing field.
The PDP chief also highlighted the impact on Jammu and Kashmir, where political activities remain stifled post-Article 370 abrogation. She called for the release of detained leaders and an end to what she termed ‘political witch-hunts.’
Political analysts note that Mufti’s remarks come amid a broader narrative from the opposition INDIA bloc, which has repeatedly raised alarms over agency overreach. With Lok Sabha elections looming, such accusations are likely to dominate campaign discourse.
As tensions rise, Mufti’s bold stance underscores the deepening divide between the ruling party and regional satraps in the Kashmir Valley. Whether this will galvanize support for PDP or further polarize voters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for electoral integrity is just heating up.
