Winds of Change in Kashmir’s Political Landscape
Srinagar 28 May 2025: In a significant development that could redefine Jammu & Kashmir’s fragile political matrix, two former legislators—Noor Mohammad from Batmaloo (Srinagar) and Aijaz Ahmad Mir from Shopian—have rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Party President Mehbooba Mufti announced their return in Srinagar, framing it as a step toward political consolidation and electoral rebuilding.
This move comes at a time when the PDP is grappling with electoral setbacks and diminished political relevance post the abrogation of Article 370. With Jammu & Kashmir preparing for possible legislative assembly elections and a turbulent political environment dominating headlines, this rejoining marks a critical chapter in PDP’s political journey.
The Context—Why Did They Leave in the First Place?
Noor Mohammad’s Exit Post-Article 370
Noor Mohammad distanced himself from the PDP shortly after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. A seasoned political player, Mohammad was one of the prominent Muslim faces in urban Srinagar who chose to resign amid the chaos and uncertainty surrounding the constitutional changes that revoked J&K’s special status.
Key Reasons for Exit:
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- Disillusionment with PDP’s silence post-abrogation.
- Widespread arrests and political detentions, including that of Mehbooba Mufti.
- Lack of coherent opposition strategy at the time.
Aijaz Ahmad Mir’s Resignation in 2024
A relatively younger face, Aijaz Ahmad Mir quit the party in early 2024 after being denied a mandate for the upcoming assembly elections. His departure reflected internal dissatisfaction with candidate selections and policy directions under Mufti’s leadership.
Factors Behind Resignation:
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- Discontent over lack of electoral ticket.
- Perception of being sidelined within party ranks.
- Emergence of alternative platforms for contesting elections independently or under new banners.
The Political Comeback—What Prompted Their Return?
Their return is being perceived not as an act of desperation but as a strategic recalibration. According to PDP insiders, both leaders rejoined after holding extended talks with Mehbooba Mufti and being assured of meaningful roles in the party’s restructuring.
Drivers for Return:
- Realignment with PDP’s new vision of grassroots empowerment.
- Perception that independent politics is increasingly challenging in the present J&K setup.
- Restoration of faith in Mehbooba Mufti’s leadership and evolving strategy.
Political analysts view their return as a litmus test of PDP’s internal cohesion and ability to lure back estranged leaders.
PDP’s Decline—A Timeline of Troubles
From 28 to 3: The Electoral Downfall
Once the dominant party in J&K politics with 28 seats in 2014 and 21 in 2008, the PDP’s 2024 performance was nothing short of catastrophic—bagging only 3 seats. This slide underscores the scale of the political vacuum that has since emerged.
Contributing Factors:
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- The BJP-PDP alliance fallout.
- Inability to provide a strong post-370 narrative.
- Departure of key political faces and leadership vacuum.
Leader Exodus After Article 370
The political earthquake of August 2019 led to an exodus from PDP. Former ministers, senior members, and grassroot workers switched sides, joined other parties, or exited public life altogether.
Notable Exits:
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- Altaf Bukhari (formed Apni Party)
- Basharat Bukhari
- Imran Reza Ansari (joined PC)
Ground-Level Strategy for Revival
Recognizing its decline, PDP has launched a grassroots campaign to reconnect with voters and rebuild its political base.
Constituency-Level Review Meetings
The party has initiated detailed post-poll analysis across all constituencies, identifying weaknesses in candidate selection, voter engagement, and campaign strategy.
Emphasis on Youth & First-Time Voters
Targeting a generation that has no strong memory of PDP’s previous governance, the party is pushing for youth inclusion, promising jobs, education reforms, and digital empowerment.
Rebranding Mehbooba Mufti’s Image
From being labeled a ‘soft-separatist’ to now portraying herself as a centrist regional leader, Mufti is reinventing her political persona to win back moderate voices.
Can PDP Regain Lost Ground?
Competitive Landscape
PDP’s revival will not be easy. It is facing strong challenges from:
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- National Conference (NC)
- Apni Party
- People’s Conference (PC)
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Each of these parties has built their own narrative around post-370 Kashmir, often sidelining PDP as a relic of the past.
Political Symbolism of Returnees
The rejoining of leaders like Noor Mohammad and Aijaz Mir serves a dual purpose—restoring internal faith and sending a message to voters that PDP remains politically viable.
The Mehbooba Equation
Despite her controversial tenure as CM, Mehbooba Mufti remains one of the few female leaders in the region with mass appeal. Her political survival is tied to PDP’s ability to expand beyond its current shrinking base.
Future of PDP—Opportunities and Obstacles
Opportunities:
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- Strong emotional connect in South Kashmir.
- Voter fatigue with new political outfits.
- Ability to project itself as a victim of central excesses post-370.
Obstacles:
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- Dented credibility.
- Lack of financial and organizational resources.
- Mistrust among younger voters.
What Comes Next?
- Will more leaders return? Party insiders hint at more reconciliations in the coming weeks.
- Can the party win hearts and ballots again? Only time and consistent grassroots engagement will tell.
- Will Mehbooba stay at the helm or pass the baton? Succession planning remains an undercurrent of internal discussions.
Conclusion: A Political Resurrection or a Last Stand?
The return of Noor Mohammad and Aijaz Mir is more than symbolic—it is the PDP’s way of saying it is not done yet. Whether this will translate into votes, seats, and influence in the months ahead remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Mehbooba Mufti and her team are preparing for a comeback, not an obituary.
In a valley where politics changes with the wind, PDP’s new chapter may either be a beginning or a final act. The electorate will decide.
