PDP to Support NC in Rajya Sabha Polls Only if Welfare Bills Are Passed: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, October 16 :Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said her party will extend support to the National Conference (NC) in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections only if the government ensures the passage of key welfare bills aimed at benefiting poor families and daily wage workers.

Speaking to reporters, Mehbooba revealed that NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah had recently reached out to her, seeking PDP’s support. “He asked whether we would support them. I told him our party leaders will meet and discuss the matter,” she said.

Mehbooba noted that the PDP had introduced several significant bills in the previous and ongoing Assembly sessions, including proposals to regularize poor families who have lived on small plots of land for over three decades, and to confirm the services of daily wage workers who have been serving for 20–25 years in departments such as PHE, R&B, and Irrigation.

“These workers are the backbone of many government departments, yet they earn just a few thousand rupees. If the government facilitates the passage of these bills and ensures justice for them, we can consider supporting the NC,” Mehbooba said.