PDP still part of UPA: Mufti

Srinagar Jan 02: People's Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad today said his party was still a part of the UPA at the Centre.However, the party would decided whether to remain with the UPA following Congress-National Conference (NC) decision to form a coalition government, headed by Omar Abdullah in the State, Mr Sayeed told reporters here this afternoon.

He said, ''so far we have not taken any decision to withdraw from the UPA and we are still part of it.'' When asked why the Congress did not form an alliance with the PDP and instead joined the NC, Mr Sayeed said Congress was not feeling comfortable with the PDP agenda.

''Our agenda included self-rule, reduction of troops, withdrawal of special powers to security forces and resolution of the Kashmir issue after holding talks with all shades of states political opinion,'' the former Chief Minister said.

''The Congress, which was not feeling comfortable with us because of our people-friendly agenda, opted to go with the NC'', he said adding the Congress had every right to choose their alliance partner.

He noted how the Congress-NC alliance in 1987 did not last long.

About the NC allegations that Jamat-e-Islami (JeI) workers had voted in favour of PDP candidates in south Kashmir where it bagged majority of the seats, Mr Sayeed said winning of by a NC candidate in Sopore, which was a stronghold of JeI, speaks itself that the allegations were totally false and wrong.

He said out six candidates had lost by a margin of less than 200 votes and lowest margin was in Sonawar constituency where former NC Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah won by just 97 votes against PDP nominee. (UNI)