Srinagar, May 6: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Parra on Wednesday dismissed the National Conference’s (NC) claims regarding the recent Rajya Sabha voting outcome, describing the criticism as “misdirected” and a diversion from more important issues.
Parra said the matter was being portrayed as a controversy over the Rajya Sabha polls, while in reality it was shifting focus away from concerns such as the Siraj-ul-Aloom issue and the reported removal of Urdu from official records.
He also pointed to the broader political backdrop, alleging that the NC had earlier weakened opposition unity by breaking up the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) and leaving the PDP out of the INDIA alliance arrangement during the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
“In such a situation, the PDP was under no obligation to support the NC. Despite that, we extended unconditional support, even while being aware of internal differences within the NC,” Parra said.
Calling the allegations against his party “baseless and unhelpful,” he asserted that responsibility for the Rajya Sabha outcome lies with the NC leadership.
Defending PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Parra said she neither stayed away from the voting process nor set any conditions, and had instead advised focusing on securing the third Rajya Sabha seat rather than turning the uncertain fourth seat into a blame game.
