Hope result will be better for opposition in 2024 LS polls: Mehbooba Mufti
Srinagar (PTI): PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday expressed hope that the result of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be better for the opposition parties after the BJP appeared set for a victory in three out of the four states that went to polls recently.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party convention in Kupwara, around 100 km from here, Mufti said the opposition parties faced the might of the government, including its probe agencies, money power, and the Election Commission, in the Assembly elections.
"I hope that the results are better (for opposition) in 2024 (Lok Sabha polls) than these elections," Mufti, the former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, said.
"Today, when elections are held, on the one side is the opposition, and on the other side is the might of the government, agencies, money, and Election Commission," she said.
According to trends issued by the Election Commission, the BJP was leading in 155 of the 230 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 54 of the 90 seats in Chhattisgarh, and 111 of the 199 seats in Rajasthan.
Mufti refused to comment on the delay in elections in Jammu and Kashmir, saying she had come to Kupwara to address the problems of the people.
"I had come here to listen to the problems and sufferings of the people. We will talk about elections some other time," she said when asked about the delay in holding the polls.
She also refuted reports of internal bickering in the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) and asserted that the alliance was strong.
"Minor altercations do happen but the PAGD is strong," she said.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
