PDP at a crossroads: Reflecting on twenty-seven years of politics

By Raqif Makhdoomi* 

As the People's Democratic Party (PDP) marks 27 years since its formation, its political journey offers an opportunity to reflect on its contributions, challenges, and evolving role in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir.

The PDP was founded in 1999 by the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who resigned from the Union Council of Ministers to establish a new regional political party. Sayeed, who had earlier served as India's Union Home Minister—the first Muslim to hold the office in independent India—envisioned a party that would place the aspirations and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the centre of its politics. The party advocated the concept of "self-rule" and consistently argued that dialogue and democratic engagement offered the most sustainable path to resolving the region's political challenges.

The PDP made an impressive electoral debut in the 2002 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by winning 16 seats and forming a coalition government with the Indian National Congress. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed served as Chief Minister from October 2002 to November 2005, introducing what he described as a "healing touch" policy aimed at reducing the sense of alienation among the people while improving governance.

Supporters of the PDP credit its first government with helping create a relatively improved public atmosphere by emphasising civilian welfare, reducing the visible role of certain pro-government militias, and promoting a governance model that sought to restore public confidence. They argue that greater emphasis was placed on human dignity, accessibility of government institutions, and normalcy in everyday life.

However, critics contend that many of the structural challenges confronting Jammu and Kashmir remained unresolved and that several of the improvements witnessed during that period were influenced by broader political and security developments rather than government policy alone. As with most governments in the region, the PDP's record continues to evoke differing assessments.

One of the defining moments in the party's history came in 2015, when it formed a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The alliance surprised many observers because of the ideological differences between the two parties. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed defended the decision by arguing that engagement with the party leading the Union government could create an opportunity to address the political and developmental concerns of Jammu and Kashmir. Supporters viewed the alliance as a pragmatic attempt to bridge regional and political divides, while critics regarded it as a departure from the PDP's core ideological commitments.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's death in January 2016 marked a turning point for the party. Leadership passed to Mehbooba Mufti, who became the first woman Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Her tenure coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in the region's recent history, particularly following the unrest of 2016. The prolonged violence, political instability, and public discontent had a significant impact on the PDP's political standing.

Despite these challenges, Mehbooba Mufti's government also took initiatives that supporters describe as confidence-building measures. One of the most notable was the withdrawal of nearly 12,000 FIRs against first-time stone-pelting offenders and others accused of related offences, which the government presented as an effort towards reconciliation and rehabilitation.

Electorally, the PDP experienced both remarkable success and significant decline. After winning 16 Assembly seats in 2002, it improved its performance in subsequent elections and reached its peak by winning 28 seats in the 2014 Assembly elections. The party also secured all three Lok Sabha seats from the Kashmir Valley in 2014 and gained representation in the Rajya Sabha. These achievements established the PDP as one of the principal political forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

The years that followed, however, proved difficult. The collapse of the coalition government, the political developments after 2018, organisational setbacks, and internal defections weakened the party considerably. In the 2024 Assembly elections, the PDP registered one of its poorest electoral performances, winning only three seats, although it later added another through a by-election.

Even so, political parties often experience periods of both growth and decline. The PDP today appears to be focused on organisational rebuilding, with some former leaders returning and new members joining its ranks. Whether this translates into renewed public support will ultimately depend on its ability to reconnect with voters and present a credible political vision for the future.

The legacy of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed continues to shape the PDP's identity. His emphasis on dialogue, democratic participation, and political engagement remains central to the party's narrative. His often-quoted words, "Na bomb se, na goli se, baat banegi boli se" ("Neither bombs nor bullets, but dialogue will resolve issues"), continue to resonate with many who believe that lasting peace can only emerge through democratic processes.

As the PDP completes 27 years, it faces the challenge of balancing its founding ideals with the realities of contemporary politics. Its future will depend not only on electoral success but also on whether it can convincingly articulate solutions to the aspirations and concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

As Mufti Mohammad Sayeed once remarked, "Democracy is the battle of ideas." As the PDP enters its next chapter, it has an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to that principle and allow its ideas to shape its political future.

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*Law student and human rights activist