Rift over Budgam seat splits People’s Alliance for Change

Over three and a half months after three parties — Sajad Lone’s J&K Peoples Conference, Hakeem Yasin’s People’s Democratic Front and the Justice and Development Front (comprising sections of former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami) — announced the formation of a “strategic alliance” called the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC), the key partner, the Justice and Development Front, on Friday said it had decided to withdraw from the alliance.

In July, Handwara MLA Lone had described the alliance as both a “moral and political necessity to represent the real victims of the past three decades” and projected it as a “larger political alternative.”

On Friday, ahead of next month’s Budgam by-election, which has raised the political temperature in the Valley, the Justice and Development Front said, “With great mutual respect, the JDF has decided to exit the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC).”

“Certain differences have emerged in the modus operandi of the PAC. Within the alliance framework, the JDF has always exercised its democratic right to express differing opinions. After due reflection, we believe that pursuing an independent course will better serve our vision, values and principles,” the JDF said in a statement.

Reiterating its appreciation for its former partners, the JDF said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our former allies, well-wishers, and, above all, to the people who have continuously placed their trust and confidence in us.” The party reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to democratic values, transparency, accountability, and dedicated public service” as it moves forward independently.

Sources told The Tribune on Friday that differences within the alliance had emerged over the choice of candidate for the upcoming Budgam seat.

In the last Assembly elections, Lone’s People’s Conference managed to win only one seat, while Hakeem Yasin lost from the Khansahib constituency, which he had previously represented as an Independent. Despite contesting the polls, former Jamaat-e-Islami leaders failed to win any seat. During the same elections, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by jailed MP Engineer Rashid, had also entered into a strategic tie-up with former Jamaat members.

Former Jamaat leaders, who have recently been testing the political waters in the Valley, have so far failed to make significant inroads despite contesting last year’s Assembly elections. Soon after the PAC was announced, several prominent former Jamaat leaders publicly stated they did not support any political party or front.