SRINAGAR: In what could be seen as a setback to rebel legislators of the PDP, at least 21 party MLAs have pledged support to party president Mehbooba Mufti and reposed their faith in her leadership.
In view of a revolt in the party by some disgruntled MLAs, Mehbooba had called party legislators for a one-on-one meeting after her return to Srinagar from the national capital on Saturday.
Sources said that at least 21 legislators met Mehbooba at her residence at Gupkar, Srinagar, and pledged their support to her. They said 19 MLAs met her personally while two, including former finance minister Haseeb Drabu and former minister Haq Khan, called her on phone and pledged their support to her.
Sources in the PDP said that during the one-to-one meetings, Mehbooba sought the views of the legislators on the rebellion by disgruntled MLAs.
Sources said five disgruntled MLAs—Imran Ansari, his uncle Abid Ansari, Abbas Wani, Javaid Baig and Abdul Majid Paddar— stayed away from the meeting.
Imran, MLA from Pattan, has accused Mehbooba of nepotism, mistreating MLAs and turning PDP into “Family Democratic Party”. He has said many PDP legislators are unhappy with the working of the party leadership.