SRI NAGAR: Influential sitting MLA Imran Raza Ansari is emerging as the leader of disgruntled PDP legislators who have revolted against ‘authoritarian’ party president Mehbooba Mufti. The Shia leader, who has political clout in many Shia-dominated seats in Kashmir and whose new group holds the key to formation of a government with the BJP, said like-minded people would join hands to rid the state of dynastic politics perpetuated by two families — Abdullahs and Muftis.
Are we going to see a new government in Jammu and Kashmir?
Anything is possible. Some legislators think there is still a lot of time till Assembly elections. If something can be done in these two-and-a-half years by forming a pro-people government, providing good and accountable governance and some kind of relief to heal the wounds of the people, why not?
We want that our relations with the masses should continue. And we should not be treated as liars. Both the PDP and the National Conference have been playing with the emotions of people. We don’t want to do that kind of politics. However, if there are elections, we are also ready for it.
How many legislators are with you?
I will tell you how many persons are not with this thought. This is not a person they are with, they are with a thought. They are not with Imran Ansari. But they are with a thought.
The legislators have a common thought — how PDP was hijacked by family members.
At least 10-11 legislators had met Mehbooba before the fall of the PDP-BJP government and expressed disappointment over functioning of the party and the government... Now many PDP legislators have come out in the open against the party leadership. We are also in touch with leaders of other parties —National Conference and Congress.
Why this rebellion after the fall of the PDP-BJP government?
I had been telling our cabinet ministers and important party leaders to bring reforms in the party. I used to tell them that nothing right was taking place and the reins of government are in the wrong hands. I have been saying this time and again but maybe for the media it is a new thing...
We are against any type of exploitation... We should not fool people by promising things that are not in our hands…
Do you have the numbers?
Why are you talking of numbers? I can tell you with authority that a new tsunami is coming to Kashmir. And an alternative group is coming up, which will represent the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The group will comprise like-minded people who want to rid the state of two dynastic families —Muftis and Abdullahs — that are responsible for all ills as they have been fooling people for six decades for their personal and political interests.
Our group will represent the people of Jammu & Kashmir. We are people who are connected with people, not who have come from Mumbai or America or para-dropped here.
There is speculation that somebody from behind is pulling your strings?
Nothing is taking place behind the scenes. It is my issue. Whatever I thought right, I did it. Now if people support or oppose my thought, it is up to them… A person has to come forward and take a call. It may work or not. I am satisfied that what I said others could not say... And now people are saying what I am saying.
There are talks that government formation will take place after the Amarnath yatra ends…
Once things shape up, everything will be clear. We won’t hide anything. Everything will be brought in the public domain.